Abstract
Acute ischemia of the rectum is uncommon and usually occurs after aorto-iliac surgery. In this report, we present a case of acute ischemic proctosigmoiditis that developed from a brief episode of hypotension. An 85-year-old male presented to the emergency room with hypotension, mental confusion, and passage of maroon-colored stool. He was resuscitated and treated for presumed sepsis. Computerized tomography of the abdomen and pelvis displayed signs of acute inflammation of the distal colon and rectum. Endoscopic findings and microscopic examination of the rectal biopsy revealed changes consistent with acute ischemic proctosigmoiditis. An evaluation for infectious etiologies was negative. The patient's clinical condition improved over the next 24 h with supportive care. Involvement of the rectum is rare in ischemic colitis because of its abundant collateral blood supply. Acute ischemic proctosigmoiditis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities presenting with hematochezia.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
