Fulminant ulcerative colitis complicated with toxic megacolon

Colitis ulcerativa fulminante complicada con megacolon tóxico

We present a case of acute abdomen secondary to perforated toxic megacolon in a patient with new-onset ulcerative colitis (UC) that required multiple surgical interventions and prolonged intensive care unit stay. Toxic megacolon is a rare but potentially fatal complication of UC, being even rarer in new-onset UC in a patient with no history and only one risk factor identified, considering this an opportunity to share its study and approach. The diagnosis of toxic megacolon is based on the criteria proposed by Jalan. Although the initial treatment is medical therapy with intravenous corticosteroids, surgical management is necessary for a significant majority of patients.

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