Advents in the Diagnosis and Management of ischemic Colitis

Background: Ischemic colitis (IC) is a common type of ischemic insult, resulting from decreased arterial blood flow to the colon. This disease can be caused from either atherosclerotic occlusive vascular disease or non-occlusive disease. The aim of this study is to present the diagnostic methodology and management of this severe disease based on current literature. Methods: A literature search has been done including articles referring to modern diagnosis and management of IC. Results: IC is usually a transient disease, but it can also cause gangrene of the colon, requiring emergency surgical exploration. Diagnosis is troublesome and is based on-imaging examinations, mainly computerized tomography, which in association with colonoscopy can delineate the distribution pattern and severity of disease. Conclusion: The majority of patients with mild disease have usually complete clinical recovery within a short period. The severe forms of the disease carry high morbidity and mortality rates and prompt surgical intervention is the only way to improve the associated severe prognosis.