Toxic megacolon

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Crohn's disease - affected areas	Digestive system	Digestive system organs	Toxic megacolon
Ulcerative colitis

Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions. It is characterized by a very inflated colon, abdominal distention, and sometimes fever, abdominal pain, or shock.

Toxic dilation of the colon; Megarectum

This is a complication of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and some infections of the colon. Other forms of megacolon exist and can be congenital (present since birth) or associated with some forms of constipation.

Review Date: 01/23/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.