Case Report
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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 28, 2011; 17(48): 5324-5326
Published online Dec 28, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i48.5324
Ischemic colitis masquerading as colonic tumor: Case report with review of literature
Parakkal Deepak, Radha Devi
Parakkal Deepak, Internal Medicine, University of Chicago (North Shore University Health System), 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
Radha Devi, Internal Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago (St Francis Hospital), Evanston, IL 60201, United States
Author contributions: Deepak P and Devi R contributed to collecting patient data, writing the manuscript and submission process.
Correspondence to: Parakkal Deepak, MD, Internal Medicine, University of Chicago (North Shore University Health System), 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, United States. dparakkal@yahoo.co.in
Telephone: +1-847-6305398 Fax: +1-847-6305398
Received: April 29, 2011
Revised: July 6, 2011
Accepted: July 13, 2011
Published online: December 28, 2011
Abstract

Ischemic colitis can mimic a carcinoma on computed tomographic (CT) imaging or endoscopic examination. A coexisting colonic carcinoma or another potentially obstructing lesion has also been described in 20% of the cases of ischemic colitis. CT scan can differentiate it from colon cancer in 75% of cases. However, colonoscopy is the preferred method for diagnosing ischemic colitis as it allows for direct visualization with tissue sampling. Varied presentations of ischemic colitis have been described as an ulcerated or submucosal mass or as a narrowed segment of colon with ulcerated mucosa on colonoscopy. Awareness and early recognition of such varied presentations of a common condition is necessary to differentiate from a colonic carcinoma, and to avoid unnecessary surgery and related complications.

Keywords: Colon pathology; Colitis; Ischemic pathology; Colonic neoplasms/diagnosis; Differential Diagnosis; Biopsy; X-Ray computed tomography