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Toxic megacolon

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

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Toxic megacolon

Definition:

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.

Alternative Names:
Toxic dilation of the colon; Megarectum

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.

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