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Toxic megacolon (radiographic appearances)

Authoring team

The appearance of a toxic megacolon on plain abdominal radiographs is characterised by:

  • dilatation of the lumen from 6-15 cm
  • the most common sites of dilatation are the right and transverse colons
  • less common sites are the left and sigmoid colons and the rectum
  • there is thickening of the colonic wall with disruption of the normal haustral pattern
  • there may be multiple air-fluid levels

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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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