Distention of the colon's splenic flexure

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Blood supply of the large intestine

Distention of the colon's splenic flexure is an enlargement of the splenic flexure beyond what is normal. The splenic flexure is a bend in the colon.

Colon splenic flexure distention

Common causes of distension are:

• Infection (such as tuberculosis, amebiasis)
•  Inflammation (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
• Twisting of the colon (torsion, volvulus) 
• Obstruction (for example, as a result of cancer)

If the colon does not contract properly, the splenic flexure can become distended.

Review Date: 05/04/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.