Colonoscopy-related colonic ischemia

Abstract

Colonoscopy is a risk factor for colon ischemia. The colon is susceptible to ischemia due to its minor blood flow compared to other abdominal organs; the etiology of colon ischemia after colonoscopy is multifactorial. The causative mechanisms include splanchnic circulation impairment, bowel preparation, drugs used for sedation, bowel wall ischemia due to insufflation/barotrauma, and introduction of the endoscope. Gastroenterologists must be aware of this condition and its risk factors for risk minimization, early diagnosis, and proper treatment.

Key Words: Endoscopy, Colon ischemia, Colonoscopy, Bowel preparation, Mesenteric circulation, Ischemic colitis

Core Tip: Colonic ischemia is the main form of vascular injury to the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by sudden onset of nausea and abdominal pain, followed by bloody diarrhea. Among the different etiologies, colonoscopy has been proposed as a risk factor for colon ischemia.

INTRODUCTION

At the end of 2018, an elderly retired physician came to our attention because of worsening post-prandial epigastric pain, hyporexia and weight loss. Complete blood cell count showed moderate anemia (hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL). The patient had sought medical attention in the emergency room of our hospital 1 mo prior for the same symptoms. At that time, doctors mainly focused on premature atrial complexes and hypokalemia, as the patient was suffering from hypertensive cardiopathy and had undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Comorbidities were mild chronic renal failure, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and stable metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Upon presentation to our unit, no remarkable physical findings were noted. Medications included low-dose aspirin, beta-blockers, anti-hypertensive agents (candesartan and amlodipine), simvastatin, glibenclamide, bicalutamide, and omeprazole. We performed percutaneous abdominal ultrasound and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which were unremarkable. As the patient was strongly determined not to neglect any diagnostic possibility, consent to undergo colonoscopy was given too. Being a fragile individual, we elected to administer the bowel preparation in our in-hospital facility with a 2-liter same-day ascorbate-based polyethylene glycol regimen. After the first laxative dose, the patient had syncope and was brought to the emergency room. No notable findings emerged; serum sodium was 147 mmol/L (136-145) while potassium concentration was normal. The patient was able to complete the preparation and was still determined to undergo a colonoscopy. The exam went smoothly and failed to show any relevant findings. The patient was discharged home in good condition and relieved as no malignancy was found.

However, 48 hours after the exam, disaster struck. The patient came back to the hospital suffering from severe abdominal pain of sudden onset. Urgent computed tomography showed complete thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery, ileocolic arteries, and common hepatic artery (Figure 1). Large bowel loops were over-distended with a lack of parietal perfusion as per severe ischemic changes. Due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions, the patient died 24 h later despite intensive care.

Figure 1 Abdominal computed tomography with intravenous contrast, sagittal scan showing thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery and the common hepatic artery (arrows).

Colonic ischemia, also described as ischemic colitis if an inflammatory component is present[1], is usually a benign condition that occurs when there is sudden and temporary hypoperfusion of the large bowel wall[2]. Colonic ischemia can usually be managed conservatively and must be differentiated from other causes of acute and chronic ischemic injury, such as emboli and thrombosis[3], which often require urgent intervention[4].

Ischemia occurs when blood supply is inadequate to fulfill the metabolic requirements of tissues and can occur in every district of the body[5]. When there is a decrease in blood flow, the affected tissues initially react with vasodilation. However, if hypoperfusion persists, vasoconstriction may ensue[6].

The colon is susceptible to ischemia due to its minor blood flow compared to other abdominal organs and to its decrease in perfusion when functionally inactive[7]. In the colon, ischemic injury displays a wide spectrum of manifestations. Reversible ischemia determines the rupture of the sub-epithelial microvasculature, which evolves in a colitis phase when the mucosa ulcerates and subepithelial hemorrhage is reabsorbed[8]. On the other hand, irreversible damage leads to necrosis of the bowel wall, gangrene, strictures, and ultimately to fulminant colitis[9].

Colonic ischemia represents the predominant form of vascular injury to the gastrointestinal tract with an estimated incidence ranging from 7.2 to 15.6 per 100000 population[10]. It is also one of the main causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding[8]. Women seem affected more than men, especially among patients < 40 years of age[10]. However, the incidence of colonic ischemia is probably underestimated because many patients never seek medical attention due to its frequent presentation with mild symptoms[2].

Etiology

Colonic ischemia is multifactorial. Previous studies identified risk factors for colonic ischemia such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal comorbidities, history of irritable bowel syndrome, and surgical interventions[10,11]. As far as drugs are concerned, immunomodulators and constipation-inducing drugs have been associated more frequently with colonic ischemia[12]. The use of vasopressors, alfa-adrenergic agents, diuretics as well as cocaine has also been described as contributing factors[8]. Additionally, in most cases, no specific cause of colonic ischemia can be determined[13].

Colonoscopy has been proposed as a risk factor for colonic ischemia although only few reports are available in this respect[14]. To our knowledge, no current epidemiologic data exist about colonic ischemia after colonoscopy.

Splanchnic vascular anatomy

Visceral blood supply is strictly connected to the function of the gastrointestinal organs. The celiac trunk, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), all of which originate from the abdominal aorta (Figure 2)[15], represent the main abdominal vessels.

Figure 2 Splanchnic vascular anatomy, detail of colonic arteries (Case courtesy of Assoc Prof Craig Hacking, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 54523.

The SMA and IMA sustain colon perfusion. The SMA is the largest abdominal artery supplying the inferior part of the duodenum, the entire jejunum and ileum, the proximal colon, and a portion of the pancreas[16]. The IMA feeds the distal colon through three different branches and the rectum with its terminal branch, the superior rectal artery[17].

These vessels are deeply interconnected through collateral branches to ensure visceral perfusion also in case of deficiency of a single vessel[18]. Despite this network, some segments of the colon can be more frequently affected by ischemia due to their location between two different vascular supplies. These are known as “water-shed areas”, the most important being the splenic flexure (Griffith’s point) and the sigmoid colon (Sudeck’s point)[2].

COLONIC ISCHEMIA AFTER COLONOSCOPY

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal screening programs and the number of colonoscopies is progressively increasing worldwide[19]. This exam allows direct visualization of the colonic mucosa and allows resecting of pre-neoplastic lesions. Colonoscopy is considered relatively safe being associated with a perforation rate of about 4 in 10000 procedures, a major bleeding rate of 8 in 10000 procedures, and an estimated overall mortality of 0.007-0.07%[20,21].

An extensive search of the literature showed 25 reports of colonoscopy-related colonic ischemia[22]. The first report in 1990 described a young woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus who developed abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea after a diagnostic colonoscopy. Arteriography showed no abnormalities of mesenteric vessels while sigmoidoscopy showed severe inflammation with biopsies suggestive for necrotic areas, compatible with ischemic colitis. The authors suggested that the impairment in small circulation due to the connective tissue disease combined with the mechanical stress of the colonoscopy probably led to colonic ischemia[14]. Subsequently, more cases of ischemic colitis were published[23]. More recent literature reported one case of SMA thrombosis and one case of SMA embolism[24]. Other case reports of colonic ischemia after colonoscopy described patients with cardiovascular comorbidities[25] or without any known risk factor[26].

Based on the previous considerations, we propose five different mechanisms by which colonoscopy-related colonic ischemia might arise.

Splanchnic circulation impairment

Colonic ischemia can develop in patients with bowel circulation impairment. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is predominantly related to atherosclerotic disease, patients with this condition usually being elderly and with a history of smoking[27]. A study reported an 18% prevalence of asymptomatic stenoses of abdominal vessels in individuals over 65 years[28]. Studies with magnetic resonance showed a significant postprandial reduction of mesenteric flow in patients with vascular stenoses compared to healthy subjects[29,30].

Moreover, conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and diabetes can determine an endothelial dysfunction of the colonic vasculature[8]. In these conditions, the involvement of the splanchnic vessels can range from mesenteric thrombosis in the largest veins to mild ischemic injury in the mesenteric microcirculation[23,31]. In all these cases, the colon suffers a condition of chronic ischemia. Therefore, when subjected to gas insufflation and mechanical compression during colonoscopy, the previously impaired blood flow can easily drop to a critical level leading to ischemic injury[14].

Bowel preparation

Adequate bowel cleansing is fundamental to perform a high-quality colonoscopy. Various combinations of volume, timing, and adjuvants have been validated for bowel preparations[32].

The isotonic polyethylene glycol (PEG) bowel preparations are generally considered safe as they minimize electrolyte and water loss[33]. Hypertonic bowel preparations include PEG solutions combined with osmotically active molecules to reduce the volume of total fluid, oral sulfate solutions, and magnesium picosulfate solutions. It is generally assumed that hypertonic preparations have potential risks of inducing serum electrolyte imbalance. Furthermore, as they bind with water molecules, PEG monomers cause fluid retention that can increase intraluminal pressure[34]. This effect, combined with an inadequate assumption of fluids during the preparation, can thus lead to dehydration[35] and potentially precipitate an ischemic injury. We found on the Federal Drug Administration Adverse Events Report System a study from Bielefeldt et al[36] describing bowel preparations as the suspected causative agents of 60 cases of colonic ischemia. Adjunctive drugs such as bisacodyl and magnesium citrate are often administered with low volume preparations to improve colon cleansing. Of note, case reports of ischemic colitis have been reported following the intake of bisacodyl[32].

Drugs used for endoscopy

Sedation during colonoscopy aims to reduce discomfort and improve outcomes. Narcotics such as meperidine and fentanyl, benzodiazepines (midazolam) and propofol represent the most common drugs. Although considered safe, sedation has been associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary adverse events such as hypotension and hypoxemia with an overall frequency of 1.1 per 100 procedures[37].

Midazolam, alone or in combination with opioids, is frequently used in colonoscopy as it has a rapid onset and a short duration of action. However, it can induce cardiovascular effects such as vasodilation, depression of myocardial contractility, and hypotension. In a recent study, Kim et al[38] demonstrated a reduction of heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients undergoing colonoscopy with midazolam compared to no sedation. Given that hypoperfusion plays a key role in the multifactorial pathogenesis of colonic ischemia, the risk of anesthesia-related cardiovascular depression deserves consideration. In a recent prospective study, Wernli et al[39] found that the overall risk of complications associated with colonoscopy increases in patients receiving anesthesia services. Moreover, propofol is often used in combination with benzodiazepines and/or opioids with the combination effects on cardiovascular and respiratory depression still being under investigation.

Bowel wall ischemia due to insufflation/barotrauma

Gas insufflation fills the colon up to the cecum, which is the highest point when the patient is in the left lateral decubitus[40,41]. It is necessary to correctly inspect the mucosa but it leads to an increase in luminal pressure and consequently in vascular resistance. As a result, barotrauma should be considered the main cause of reduction in parietal blood flow during colonoscopy.

When the pressure on the vessels reaches 30-60 mmHg, it causes a reduction in parietal blood flow that can cause mucosal damage in about 20 min[26,42]. Light source air pumps generate a maximal pressure of 375 mmHg, which is reduced by 30%-40% when measured at the tip of the endoscope because of air leakage[43]. In a seminal study, Kozarek et al[44] showed that in human cadaver colon air pressures leading to serosal tears, pneumatosis and transmural rupture ranged between 52 and 226 mmHg. Caecum rupture was observed with 81 mmHg of air pressure while tearing of the sigma required pressure of 169 mmHg. In the same study, the authors measured the intraluminal pressure during routine colonoscopies. Intraluminal pressure ranged from 9 to 57 mmHg when the tip of the endoscope was free, while it reached a maximum of 138 mmHg when the tip was impacted against the bowel wall.

Advancement of the scope

Scope manipulation can traumatize the vascular pedicles and lead to mesocolon injury[45]. Anatomical conditions of the colon such as length, mobility, and redundancy can affect procedures such as colonoscopy[46]. The ascending and the descending colon are fixed and retroperitoneal, while the sigmoid and transverse colon are suspended in a double layer of peritoneum, the mesentery or mesocolon[47]. Excessive traction and torsion on the mesocolon can occur in the context of abdominal adhesions or during pull-back maneuvers, slide-by advancement, alpha maneuver, and straightening of the sigmoid loop[48]. The stress on the mesocolon can reduce blood flow, impair microcirculation and activate the inflammatory cascade, eventually leading to vascular thrombosis. Cases of splenic trauma due to colonoscopy are also described in the literature[49,50], suggesting caution with straightening maneuvers and manual compression of the abdominal wall.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The symptoms of acute colonic ischemia after colonoscopy do not differ from those of colonic ischemia per se. These include the sudden onset of abdominal pain associated with nausea, vomiting, bloating, and passage of bright bloody diarrhea within 24 h, which often evolve in melena[8]. Zizzo et al[22] found that abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea were present in 95% of patients reported to have colonic ischemia after colonoscopy. Moreover, it is assumed that a non-negligible number of cases may be paucisymptomatic and thereby go undetected.

Diagnosis

Given the scant literature focusing on the association between colonoscopy and colonic ischemia, we rely on the general evidence of ischemic colitis per se. In a patient with progressive abdominal pain and/or bloody diarrhea after colonoscopy, colonic ischemia related to the procedure must be suspected along with other possible adverse events (e.g., perforation, post-polypectomy syndrome)[51]. Laboratory tests such as complete blood count, albumin, and acid-base status should be requested to help predict the severity of ischemia.

Computed tomography with intravenous and oral contrast can show signs of ischemia such as mesenteric fat stranding, bowel wall thickening, and abnormal wall enhancement, regardless of the disease severity[52].

Colonoscopy is also the gold standard for the optical diagnosis of colonic ischemia along with biopsies for histological confirmation. When signs of colonic ischemia are found, the endoscopic procedure should be halted at the most distal part of the affected segment[8]. In the existing reports of post-colonoscopy colonic ischemia, the diagnosis was confirmed with a second colonoscopy with biopsies in 85% of the cases[22]. Nevertheless, we believe that the indication to repeat colonoscopy must be weighed against clinical and radiological presentation in order not to worsen existing conditions.

Typical endoscopic signs of ischemia include patchy petechial hemorrhages, erosions, and edematous mucosal inflammation (Figure 3)[26]. Zuckerman et al[53] described a typical single linear ulcer running longitudinally along the anti-mesenteric left colonic wall[54]. Notably, Cheema et al[55] described a dynamic in-vivo appearance of bowel ischemia, where an intermittent blanching of the colonic mucosa was observed.

Figure 3 Endoscopic signs of ischemia, showing moderate diffuse erythema (A), severe erythema with mucosal edema and erosions (B), multiple ulcerations and inflammatory exudate (C), necrosis (D).

Treatment

Treatment of colonic ischemia after colonoscopy should be based on general knowledge of a disease that may vary from a mild to a severe and life-threatening condition. In the available literature, the majority of patients suffered from transient reversible ischemic colitis, which required just a conservative therapy[2]. In such cases, therapeutic options included general supportive measures, intravenous hydration, bowel rest, and correction of possible precipitating conditions including withdrawal of putative causative medications[36]. On the other hand, emergent surgery was needed in two cases of irreversible ischemia[22].

PREVENTION

Double-check colonoscopy indications and risk factors

Physicians must be aware of risk factors for colonic ischemia such as advanced age, recent vascular surgery, atherosclerotic and vascular disease such as a peripheral artery, cerebrovascular, coronary artery, and renovascular disease[8]. Additionally, a careful drug history should be obtained with particular attention to constipation-inducing agents[12]. A history of either coronary heart disease, peripheral obliterative arteriopathy, or ischemic stroke could be suggestive for the presence of mesenteric thrombosis while abdominal angina, as well as gastroparesis and gastric ulcers, could be indirect signs of chronic ischemia[4]. Doppler ultrasound and/or computed tomography angiography of the major abdominal arteries can be helpful when suspicion arises. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents should be managed according to the available clinical guidelines. As a result, whether to perform a colonoscopy in high-risk cases must always be weighed in every case by accurately balancing colonoscopy indications with the individual risk factors (Table 1).

Table 1 Summary of proposed pathogenetic factors for colonoscopy-related mesenteric ischemia and suggested interventions to reduce the risk.

Pathogenetic factor	Mechanism of action	Type of ischemia	Prevention
Splanchnic circulation impairment	Chronic mesenteric ischemia (atherosclerosis, smoking habits), parietal vessels inflammation (connective tissue diseases, LES, antiphospholipid syndrome)	Vascular thrombosis; microcirculatory mild ischemic injury	Careful evaluation of medical history. Specific and indirect symptoms assessment. Antiplatelet agents according to guidelines. Consider pre-colonoscopy assessments (serum electrolyte, color-Doppler ultrasound)
Bowel preparation (hypertonic, isotonic, laxative)	Serum electrolyte imbalance, dehydration. Potential additional risk if laxative were used (i.e., bisacodyl)	Multifactorial	Give specific information. Consider high-volume isotonic formulations; split-dose regimens; avoid bisacodyl-containing preparations
Sedation (midazolam, opioids, propofol)	Vasodilation, depression of myocardial contractility and hypotension	Multifactorial	Minimal sedation protocol (response to verbal stimulation, patent airways, spontaneous ventilation, and normal cardiovascular function) in high-risk patients. Consider prophylactic fluid infusion
Air insufflation/barotrauma	Increased luminal pressure and consequent vascular resistance	Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia	Use carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation. Consider water-exchange colonoscopy technique
Scope manipulation	Mechanical stress on mesocolon, blood flow reduction, microcirculatory damage, and inflammatory cascade activation	Vascular thrombosis	Procedure interruption in case of intense discomfort or endoscopic findings of ischemia. Consider pediatric or “ultra-slim” colonoscopes. Reschedule or reconsider indication in case of complex exams

Optimize bowel preparation

Bowel laxatives determine a large loss of fluids that can lead to volume depletion. Therefore, physicians should assess the presence of cardiovascular and renal comorbidities before recommending a specific bowel preparation, above all in elderly and fragile patients.

Phosphate-based preparations should be avoided due to their adverse effects on kidney function[32]. On the contrary, high volume PEG-based regimens account for a higher safety profile due to their osmotically balanced formulation and reduced sodium load[56]. However, the high volume accounts for poor tolerability in elderly people. Alternatively, low-volume PEG-based regimens should be considered[56]. In both cases, split regimens should always be advised with written and oral information to achieve the best patients’ adherence and optimize the results[32].

As all bowel preparations can determine electrolyte imbalance, baseline serum testing should be obtained in patients with risk factors. Finally, to prevent dehydration induced by osmotic diarrhea, patients should be instructed to drink enough replacement water prior, during, and after colonoscopy[57]. Because of reports about bisacodyl-associated colonic ischemia, this drug should be avoided in patients with multiple risk factors[58].

Check sedation protocol

Sedation in colonoscopy is generally safe. However, sedation-related adverse events such as hypotension and hypoxemia could act as precipitating factors in individuals at risk for colonic ischemia. Therefore, physicians should understand the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the potential adverse effects of each sedative agent[59]. Patients should be evaluated before colonoscopy to assess their cardiopulmonary risk to better gauge the sedation protocol.

Minimal sedation, defined as a normal response to verbal stimulation and ability to maintain patent airways, spontaneous ventilation, and cardiovascular function[59] should be preferred in patients at risk for colonic ischemia. Unsedated endoscopy could also be considered in selected patients.

Monitoring during colonoscopy includes repeated assessment of blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse oximetry. Oxygen should be routinely administered to reduce the risk of hypoxemia.

Hypotension is considered a key factor for the development of colon hypoperfusion. Tang et al[60] found that, in patients undergoing sedated colonoscopy with fentanyl and midazolam, the presence of pre-procedural low blood pressure was a primary risk factor for the development of hypotension during the procedure. Moreover, there was no evidence to suspend antihypertensive drugs in the morning before colonoscopy to prevent procedural hypotension. Even if prophylactic intravenous fluid infusion did not prevent procedural hypotension in a study by Leslie et al[61], it could be considered in patients with pre-existent low blood pressure.

Minimize air insufflation

Although air insufflation through endoscopic light source air pumps has been the most common technique for luminal distension, it is now recognized that this method can potentially damage the colon[43]. On the other hand, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is rapidly absorbed from the bowel and eliminated through the lungs. In an animal study, Brandt et al[62] demonstrated that CO₂ insufflation minimized the reduction in blood flow and intraluminal pressure compared to air insufflation during colonoscopy. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that CO₂ insufflation is more advantageous than air in terms of reduced procedural and post-procedural pain^[63,64]. Other studies showed less residual gas with CO₂ insufflation at 1 h after colonoscopy compared to air insufflation[65], and even suggested that CO₂ has a potential dilating effect on colonic microvasculature when insufflated at low pressure[66].

Water-assisted colonoscopy may represent another way to minimize air insufflation[40,67]. Moreover, as procedural pain is also reduced with this technique, the amount of sedation can be minimized[68]. Therefore, CO₂ insufflation and water-assisted colonoscopy should be adopted in patients with multiple risk factors for colonic ischemia.

Minimize mechanical trauma

The sudden observation of a dry and pale mucosa during a colonoscopy could represent a real-time sign of ischemia[55,69]. In these cases, interruption of the procedure should be always considered. Special attention should be taken in patients undergoing combined procedures such as same-session gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

Experienced endoscopists often rely on torqueing maneuvers to pass the sigmoid tract, thus stretching the mesentery. Using left/right controls can reduce the mechanical stress on the mesentery, as well as patient discomfort. Caution with straightening maneuvers and manual compression of the abdominal wall is also suggested[49]. Change of decubitus to right or supine position can be useful in difficult segments[19].

Consider switching to pediatric or ultraslim endoscopes in difficult cases as thinner instruments may allow negotiation of fixed angulations. Finally, if the patient still manifests discomfort, consider rescheduling the procedure with a more experienced operator and/or anesthesia care.

CONCLUSION

In our patient, the abdominal computed tomography performed after colonoscopy showed thrombosis of the main abdominal arteries. We suppose that in this fragile person, bowel preparation led to general dehydration and hypoperfusion. Subsequently, colonoscopy-related procedural factors (sedation, advancement of the scope, gas insufflation) could have precipitated a pre-existing state of chronic mesenteric ischemia, leading to thrombosis of the colonic vascular supply, and to the fatal acute colonic injury.

In conclusion, colonoscopy-related colonic ischemia is a rare complication that needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain after colonoscopy, particularly in elderly, fragile, and comorbid patients. Given the increasing number of colonoscopies performed every year in an aging population with multiple comorbidities, endoscopists must be aware of this dreaded adverse event and should adopt all the possible preventive measures.