Differential Diagnosis for Mild Thickening and Edema of Entire Colon
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically ulcerative colitis: This condition is characterized by chronic inflammation and ulceration of the colon, which can lead to thickening and edema. The involvement of the entire colon is consistent with ulcerative colitis, which typically affects the rectum and extends proximally in a continuous manner.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Infectious colitis: Certain infections, such as Clostridioides difficile or cytomegalovirus, can cause diffuse colonic inflammation, leading to thickening and edema.
- Ischemic colitis: Reduced blood flow to the colon can result in inflammation and edema, although this condition often presents with more segmental involvement.
- Allergic colitis: Also known as eosinophilic colitis, this condition is characterized by an allergic reaction in the colon, leading to inflammation and edema.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Pseudomembranous colitis: This condition, often caused by C. difficile infection, can lead to life-threatening complications if not promptly treated.
- Neutropenic colitis: Occurring in patients with neutropenia, this condition can rapidly progress to necrosis and perforation if not recognized and managed promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause colonic thickening and edema.
- Amyloidosis: A condition in which abnormal proteins (amyloid) accumulate in various organs, including the colon, leading to thickening and edema.
- Lymphoma or other malignancies: Although rare, certain types of lymphoma or other malignancies can cause diffuse colonic involvement, leading to thickening and edema.