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Investigations

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

It may be difficult to distinguish the bleeding of ischaemic colitis from that due to inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis or carcinoma.

Diagnosis is usually established on the basis of:

  • plain abdominal x-ray - may reveal mucosal oedema at the splenic flexure, so called "thumb printing"; a single segment is affected with symmetrical stricture

  • barium enema - support x-ray findings; contra-indicated in acute illness because of risk of perforation

  • endoscopy - variable appearance from mild reddening to gangrene

  • histology:
    • intramucosal haemorrhage
    • fibrosis
    • haemosiderin - uncommon

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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