How does ischemic colitis present clinically?
- Ischemic colitis most commonly presents with the sudden onset of cramping, mild left lower quadrant abdominal pain, and the urge to defecate.
- Additionally, patients may present with bright red blood per rectum or hematochezia.
- Palpation of the abdomen over the affected segment of bowel elicits tenderness.
- Differential diagnoses include infectious colitis, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
