Enterohemorrhagic E coli Colitis
Definition
- Inflammation of the colon due to E coli O157:H7
Alternate/Historical Names
- Verocytotoxin (verotoxin) producing E coli colitis
Diagnostic Criteria
- Superficial necrosis of colonic mucosa
- Preservation of base of crypts
- Have been termed atrophic microcrypts
- Necrotic material may form microscopic pseudomembrane
- Does not form endoscopic pseudomembrane
- Superficial mucosal hemorrhage and edema
- Capillary thrombosis frequently prominent
- Neutrophils in lamina propria and cryptitis may be present
- E coli O157:H7 identified by culture
- More severe in right colon and cecum
- Clinically presents with abrupt onset of bloody diarrhea 3-4 days following ingestion
- May be associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome or thrombocytopenia purpura
Robert V Rouse MD
Department of Pathology
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford CA 94305-5342
Original posting : November 11, 2009
