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Diagnosis

Authoring team

The diagnostic criteria for toxic megacolon are:

  • radiographic evidence of colonic dilatation >6 cm

  • three of the following features:
    • fever >38øC
    • heart rate >120/min
    • neutrophilic leucocytosis >10ú5x10^9/L
    • anaemia

  • at least one of the following:
    • dehydration
    • altered consciousness
    • electrolyte disturbances
    • hypotension

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