A case of fulminant pseudomembranous colitis that was diagnosed by lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and was saved by surgery

Abstract

A 67-year-old female had abdominal pain and diarrhea. She saw a primary care physician and was prescribed medicine, but she did not improve, and fever and nausea began to be observed. Two days later, she was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of acute colitis and peritonitis. However, abdominal pain was exacerbated, and there was also a decrease in oxygenation and blood pressure, which was also exacerbated by abdominal CT at the next day. An emergency colonoscopy was performed for the purpose of understanding the pathological condition. Pseudomembrane formation and ulcer findings were observed, and the CD antigen was also positive. The diagnosis was fulminant pseudomembranous colitis. Emergency surgery was performed, and the life was saved. It was later discovered from her medication book that she had been given antibiotics about two weeks prior to her ｈospitalization.