Abstract

Background
/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the clinical manifestations and the colonoscopic findings of ischemic colitis. Methods: From March 2000 to June 2005, the data of 69 patients diagnosed with ischemic colitis were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis was done by dividing the patients into two groups according to involved segments and also by again dividing the patients into two groups according to the mucosal findings that were gangrenous or not. Results: The most common involved segment was the sigmoid colon (82.6%). The levels of total protein and albumin were significantly lower in the multisegmented group than in the non-multisegmented group (p=0.012, p=0.030, respectively), but there was no significant difference in the operation rate between the two groups. The WBC count and the level of serum glucose were significantly higher in the gangrenous group than in the non-gangrenous group (p=0.007, p=0.048, respectively). The operation rate was also higher in the gangrenous group (33.3%) than in the non-gangrenous group (3.5%) (p=0.011). Conclusions: Evaluating the severity of mucosal damage by colonoscopy may be helpful in predicting the clinical status and prognosis of the patients with ischemic colitis. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2006;33:145⁣151)

• Keywords: Ischemic colitis, Clinical feature, Colonoscop