Published online Aug 26, 2019. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i16.2360
Peer-review started: May 10, 2019
First decision: June 12, 2019
Revised: June 19, 2019
Accepted: July 20, 2019
Article in press: July 20, 2019
Published online: August 26, 2019
Severe total colonic necrosis, septic shock and venous thromboembolism secondary to ulcerative colitis (UC) are rare and life-threatening. No such severe complications have been reported in the literature.
We report a 36-year-old woman who developed total colonic necrosis and septic shock secondary to UC. The patient was treated with emergency surgery because computed tomography showed suspicious perforations. Persistent massive ascites occurred after operation and computed tomography angiography demonstrated portal vein, mesenteric vein and splenic vein thrombosis. The patient was discharged from hospital after active treatment.
Clinicians should pay attention to venous thrombosis, colonic necrosis and septic shock in UC patients. Close observation of surgical indications and timely surgical intervention are the key to reduce mortality and complications in UC.
Core tip: Severe total colonic necrosis, septic shock and venous thromboembolism are rare but life-threatening complications of ulcerative colitis. Possibility of colonic necrosis in ulcerative colitis should be considered and close observation of surgical indications and timely surgical intervention are the key to reduce mortality and complications in ulcerative colitis.