Ischemia means deficiency of blood to a part of the body. Colitis refers to inflammation to the colon. Ischemic colitis occurs when the blood flow through the arteries that transport blood to the large intestine is interrupted. Such interruption of blood flow to the large intestine injures the lining and inside layers of its wall. This causes sores in this area and possible bleeding.

The diagnosis is made by colonoscopy. The procedure is able to differentiate ischemic colitis from other kinds of inflammation, including inflammatory bowel disease, some types of infection, or the much more serious acute mesenteric ischemia.

Ischemic Colitis Symptoms include:

• Pain in the abdomen, usually on the left side of the body
• Low-grade fever, most often under 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Loose stools that often include dark red clots
• Sometimes bright red blood is present, without passage of stool
• Diarrhea
• Sense of urgency to move bowels
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in the abdomen after eating; if the pain is on the right side of the abdomen, the condition is likely to be more severe and lead to serious complications

The disorder usually occurs in people older than 60. It is seen more often in those who have diseases of the heart or blood vessels, who have had operations on the aorta, or who suffer from increased blood clotting.

Causes may be:

• Blood vessels that are irritated
• Medicine to replace estrogen in women
• Certain drugs to treat migraine headaches
• Medication to treat blood pressure
• Some antipsychotic medicine
• Digoxin, a drug to treat heart problems
• Pseudophedrine
• The medication Lotronex used to treat irritable bowel syndrome
• Surgery for an abdominal aneurysm
• Bacterial infections, including Escherichia coli, cytomegalovirus or Entamoeba histolytica (a parasite)

Treatment involves hospitalization and allowing the colon to rest. Therefore, no food or liquids are given by mouth for a few days. Intravenous feeding supplies fluids, electrolytes and nutrients.

Antibiotics also are given to guard against any kind of infection resulting from the inflammation. After about three days, people can begin to eat again.

Although ischemic colitis usually clears up in a day or two, more serious complications can occur, including

• Perforated intestine
• Scarring of the colon, leading to narrowing and potential blockage
• Peritonitis
• An abscess in the colon

Some persons believe that Accutane® and ischemic colitis are linked, although no cause and effect have been proven.

Contact an Accutane Recall Lawyer

If you or someone you love has had ischemic colitis and has taken Accutane® (isotretinoin), you may want to seek the advice of a lawyer with experience in this field. Our Accutane® recall attorneys would be happy to give you a free consultation. For more information, contact an Accutane® recall lawyer now.