HEMORRHAGIC COLITIS DUE TO ESCHERICHIA COLI O157 : H7 INFECTION

REPORT OF 3 CASES

Abstract

Three cases of hemorrhagic colitis due to E. coli O157: H7 infection were reported. The endoscopic features are as follows : (1) Marked mucosal edema, erythema, disappearance of vascular pattern, hemorrhage, erosion and shallow ulcer are the main findings, and these findings are more severe than those of other types of infectious colitis. (2) The distribution of the lesion extends from the sigmoid colon to the cecum and the severity of the findings tends to increase on the proximal side of the colon. There are almost no abnormal finding in the rectum and terminal ileum. (3) Longitudinal ulcers are often seen.