Two Cases of Hemorrhagic Colitis Due to Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli : O-157

Abstract

We experienced two cases of hemorrhagic colitis due to Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli : O-157 (EHEC : O-157) diagnosed by endoscopy.
A 45 year old woman was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and bloody watery diarrhea. Abdominal echogram showed edema and swelling of the right-sided colon. Emergent colonoscopy revealed severe hemorrhagic colitis extending from the transverse colon to the ascending colon. Multiple ulcers and erosions, and severe edema were seen at the colon. EHEC : O-157 and verotoxin were confirmed by stool. She was given fosfomycin during 7 days.
A-26-year old man was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and bloody watery diarrhea. Abdominal echogram showed swelling of the colonic wall of the right-sided colon. Emergent colonoscopy revealed severe hemorrhagic colitis with severe edema and erosion extending from the ascending colon to the cecum. EHEC : O-157 and verotoxin were confirmed by stool. Fosfomycin was effective and he left the hospital after 10 days.
It is concluded that abdominal echogram, emergent colonoscopy and stool culture are useful for the diagnosis of hemorrhagic colitis due to EHEC : O-157.