Does CT influence the decision to perform colectomy in patients with severe ulcerative colitis?
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of abdominal computerized tomography (CT) on the decision to perform colectomy in patients with severe acute ulcerative colitis (SAC). METHODS: Patients with SAC admitted to a single hospital between 2002 and 2007 were reviewed. The criteria for SAC were > or =6 bloody bowel movements per day plus fever >37.8 degrees C, pulse >90, or hemoglobin <10.5 g/dL. Study patients were given a SAC score of 2-4 based on these criteria. Clinical and laboratory parameters, medication use, abdominal X-ray, and endoscopic findings in SAC patients who did or did not have an abdominal CT were compared. Chi-squared, Fisher exact test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used as appropriate. RESULTS: Ninety-two consecutive patients with SAC were evaluated. CT was performed in 26 (28%). The SAC score, laboratory values, abdominal X-ray, and endoscopic findings were similar in patients who did or did not have a CT. Colectomy was performed in 32 (48%
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