Stercoral colitis complicated with ischemic colitis: a double-edge sword

High risk and low incidence diseases: Stercoral colitis

INTRODUCTION

Stercoral colitis is a rare but serious diagnosis which is associated with a high rate of morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of stercoral colitis, including presentation, diagnosis, and emergency department (ED) management based on the available evidence.

DISCUSSION

Stercoral colitis is an uncommon inflammatory condition of the distal large bowel and rectum resulting from accumulation of impacted stool and is associated with several complications including bowel ulceration, ischemia, perforation, peritonitis, and sepsis. Though most commonly present with abdominal pain and constipation, many patients present without typical symptoms requiring emergency clinicians to maintain high clinical suspicion, especially in patients at high risk for developing severe constipation. The diagnosis can be secured with cross-sectional radiography, including computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis. ED management includes fluid resuscitation, initiation of a multimodal bowel regimen, and if indicated, initiation of parenteral antibiotics and consultation with a surgical specialist. Admission to the hospital should be considered for all patients with stercoral colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of stercoral colitis can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and appropriately managing this high risk disease.

Stercoral Colitis: Review of Imaging Features and Complications

Stercoral colitis is an inflammatory reaction secondary to fecal impaction and almost always occurs in the setting of chronic constipation. Luminal distention caused by dense and dehydrated stool compresses the vascular supply of the distal colon, resulting in bowel ischemia and ulceration. Stercoral colitis primarily affects elderly patients, but it can be seen in any patient with decreased bowel motility, with risk factors including neurodegenerative disorders, chronic medical diseases, malignancy, immobility, and the use of narcotic or anticholinergic medications. Patients most often present with abdominal pain and tenderness. However, the presentation is often nonspecific and can include nongastrointestinal symptoms. Due to the common presence of comorbidities, a thorough history and physical examination findings may be difficult to obtain. Imaging, especially CT, plays a vital role in the diagnosis of stercoral colitis, demonstrating hallmark features such as fecal impaction and a large colorectal stool burden. Mural thickening (>3 mm) and other CT signs of inflammation aid in diagnosis, although findings including perirectal fat stranding can be nonspecific. Signs of perforation, including mural discontinuity, extraluminal air, and extraluminal stool collections, can also be identified. Other potential complications include obstruction, bleeding, fistulas, and urinary tract involvement secondary to mass effect. The overlap of findings between stercoral colitis and other colonic diseases, particularly diverticulitis and malignancy, can sometimes make diagnosis challenging. Identification of fecal impaction and associated inflammatory changes helps in distinguishing stercoral colitis from other pathologic conditions. Prompt diagnosis of stercoral colitis and its complications allows appropriate management, which can range from preventive measures to emergent surgical treatment. ©RSNA, 2025 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Stercoral Colitis: An Unexpected Presentation in a Young Adolescent

Stercoral colitis is an uncommon inflammatory condition primarily affecting individuals with chronic constipation, immobilization, and advanced age, occasionally manifesting in pediatric patients. It arises from the accumulation of impacted fecal matter, leading to colonic distension and subsequent fecaloma formation, culminating in pressure necrosis and perforation. Mortality rates can exceed 60% in vulnerable populations due to complications such as colonic perforation and ischemia. Presented is the case of a 14-year-old female with stercoral colitis, initially presenting with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and metabolic acidosis. Despite improvement followed by a sudden deterioration, diagnostic challenges persisted, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing this condition, especially in pediatric cases. Key diagnostic criteria include vague abdominal symptoms, leukocytosis, and elevated inflammatory markers, alongside potential metabolic derangements. Imaging modalities, such as abdominal CT scans, aid in diagnosis, delineating features like colonic distension and wall thickening. Treatment strategies encompass aggressive bowel disimpaction, with endoscopic or surgical interventions reserved for refractory cases or perforations. Recognition of stercoral colitis is crucial for timely intervention, given its significant morbidity and mortality. Although typically associated with elderly or bedbound patients, the condition can also affect younger individuals, emphasizing the importance of considering it in the differential diagnosis, particularly in cases of chronic constipation. Integration of diagnostic imaging techniques facilitates accurate diagnosis, guiding appropriate therapeutic interventions and potentially mitigating adverse outcomes.

Stercoral Colitis-Induced Ischemia Mimicking acute Mesenteric Ischemia: A case report and Literature Review

Stercoral colitis is a rare but serious condition characterized by inflammation of the colonic mucosa due to impacted and hardened faecal material. The word "stercoral" means "related to faeces". This condition usually develops due to the accumulation of hard stool masses in the colon, which cause localized inflammation and irritation. These faecalomas can exert persistent pressure on the colonic wall, causing damage and inflammation. Stercoral colitis presenting symptoms that mimic acute mesenteric ischemia is a diagnostic challenge for clinicians due to the overlap in clinical manifestations. Changes in bowel habits, bloating, and excruciating abdominal pain are potential manifestations of both illnesses, making it difficult to distinguish between them using clinical presentation. Diagnostic imaging, such as computed tomography scans, significantly discriminates between stercoral colitis and acute mesenteric ischemia. In cases where stercoral colitis mimics acute mesenteric ischemia, a thorough evaluation is essential to rule out vascular compromise. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial, as the management strategies for these two conditions differ significantly. Stercoral colitis often requires bowel evacuation and addressing the underlying faecal impaction. Acute mesenteric ischemia demands prompt vascular intervention to restore blood flow and prevent severe complications like bowel infarction. Given the potential overlap in symptoms and the critical importance of distinguishing between stercoral colitis and acute mesenteric ischemia, a multidisciplinary approach involving radiological imaging, clinical expertise, and timely intervention is essential for optimal patient care. This case highlights the importance of considering stercoral colitis when evaluating a patient with an acute abdomen, especially elderly patients with history of constipation.

LEARNING POINTS

Constipation is a common condition that can lead to serious complications, especially in older people, and should be addressed as soon as possible.Early recognition of stercoral colitis and appropriate treatment can prevent critical consequences.Stercoral colitis can induce bowel ischemia, causing acute abdominal pain mimicking acute mesenteric ischemia.

Stercoral colitis in the emergency department: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Stercoral colitis (SC) is a rare but potentially life-threatening inflammatory colitis caused by the accumulation of impacted fecal material. Despite reported associations with bowel perforation and high mortality rates, stercoral colitis remains a poorly defined and underrecognized diagnosis in the emergency department (ED).

OBJECTIVE OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to summarize and synthesize existing literature on SC to guide its recognition and management in the ED.

DISCUSSION

SC primarily occurs in elderly or bedbound patients with chronic constipation; however, it does occur in younger patients with comorbidities at increased risk for fecal impaction. Patients may present acutely with abdominal pain and distension, but clinical presentation is often nonspecific and varied, and there are no established diagnostic criteria for SC to date. CT is therefore crucial for diagnosis, revealing key findings such as fecaloma, colonic dilatation, and fat stranding. Treatment depends on severity of illness, ranging from manual disimpaction and other conservative measures for most cases, to surgical intervention for complicated cases, such as stercoral perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

SC can be a challenging diagnosis in the ED, often requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. Timely recognition and appropriate treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. Further research is needed to establish diagnostic criteria and clear management algorithms.

Diagnosis and emergency surgical management of stercoral colitis-induced colonic ischemia: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Stercoral colitis is an urgent complication of fecal impaction that requires aggressive management. The rare complicated with bowel ischemia requires a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. This case report describes the detection and management of this rare and fatal complication of stercoral colitis.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 80-year-old man presented after 3 days of obstipation. Abdominal plain radiography revealed several air-fluid levels in the colon with centralized small bowel gas. Computed tomography revealed fecal impaction and stercoral colitis without evidence of bowel ischemia.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Fecal impaction and stercoral colitis without evidence of bowel ischemia was suspected. Owing to the development of refractory septic shock, we performed damage control surgery. Definitive surgery with end ileostomy was follow by 48 h later. The patient was discharged home safely.

CONCLUSION

Stercoral colitis-induced ischemia is rare but potentially fatal; ischemia should be highly suspected. CT can help diagnosed of stercoral colitis but no single parameters for diagnosed of bowel ischemia. Prompt resuscitation and surgical exploration with damage control surgery are recommended.

Stercoral Colitis: A Diagnostic Challenge and Therapeutic Approach in an Elderly Patient With Chronic Constipation

Stercoral colitis, although rare, remains a significant cause of acute colonic inflammation. It is characterized by the presence of fecaloma leading to fecal impaction and subsequent mucosal injury, ultimately resulting in colonic wall inflammation. This condition primarily affects elderly patients with chronic constipation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if not recognized and managed promptly. Given its rarity and varied presentation, stercoral colitis often poses a diagnostic challenge. The clinical manifestations can mimic other colonic pathologies, such as diverticulitis, ischemic colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, further contributing to diagnostic dilemmas. However, an astute clinician, armed with a high index of suspicion and the aid of advanced imaging techniques, can establish the correct diagnosis and initiate timely management. In this case report, we present a challenging case of stercoral colitis in an elderly patient with a history of chronic constipation. The aim of this report is to enhance awareness and understanding of this underdiagnosed condition among healthcare providers. Additionally, we discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and therapeutic interventions employed to manage this formidable gastrointestinal entity.

Rare Presentation of Stercoral Ulcer Spontaneous Perforation Without Preceding Radiographic Evidence of Colonic Inflammation and Fecal Impaction

Stercoral ulcers are caused by persistent fecal impaction. A life-threatening consequence of stercoral ulcers is colonic perforation, which is rare. A high index of clinical suspicion should be held for patients with stercoral ulcer, as colonic perforation is a medical emergency, requiring immediate surgical intervention. Here, we report a case of a 45-year-old female admitted with sepsis of unknown picture and subsequently developed stercoral ulcer perforation (SUP), diagnosed intraoperatively, without prior radiographic evidence of colonic inflammation. She was successfully managed with emergency laparotomy and left colectomy with sigmoid colectomy.

Stercoral Colitis as a Cause of Altered Mental Status in a Patient With Cerebral Palsy

Stercoral colitis (SC) is a rare inflammatory colitis that occurs due to increased intraluminal pressure from impacted fecal content in the colon. Chronic constipation is the major risk factor for this condition. Delayed diagnosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with complications ranging from colonic perforation to intestinal ulcers. Patients usually present with non-specific symptoms, with advanced cases presenting with acute abdomen pain. This condition can be fatal if not recognized early and promptly treated. Early detection can often be difficult in elderly patients with dementia, stroke, or other neurologic disorders that cause altered mental status (AMS). Therefore, AMS in patients with severe constipation should be a substantial reason to consider stercoral colitis as a differential diagnosis. Here, we describe a case of stercoral colitis in a 59-year-old woman with non-verbal cerebral palsy who had acute metabolic encephalopathy from her stercoral colitis and was successfully treated with colonoscopic fecal disimpaction and an aggressive bowel regimen.

Imaging Review of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

The motor function of the gastrointestinal tract relies on the enteric nervous system, which includes neurons spanning from the esophagus to the internal anal sphincter. Disorders of gastrointestinal motility arise as a result of disease within the affected portion of the enteric nervous system and may be caused by a wide array of underlying diseases. The etiology of motility disorders may be primary or due to secondary causes related to infection or inflammation, congenital abnormalities, metabolic disturbances, systemic illness, or medication-related side effects. The symptoms of gastrointestinal dysmotility tend to be nonspecific and may cause diagnostic difficulty. Therefore, evaluation of motility disorders requires a combination of clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic or manometric testing. Radiologic studies including fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and nuclear scintigraphy allow exclusion of alternative pathologic conditions and serve as adjuncts to endoscopy and manometry to determine the appropriate diagnosis. Additionally, radiologist understanding of clinical evaluation of motility disorders is necessary for guiding referring clinicians and appropriately imaging patients. New developments and advances in imaging techniques have allowed improved assessment and diagnosis of motility disorders, which will continue to improve patient treatment options. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Non-perforated Stercoral Colitis patients with septic shock have a higher mortality than their perforated counterparts. A case report and review of literature

Introduction and importance

Stercoral colitis is an inflammatory condition caused by fecal impaction; it involves the colonic or rectal wall. It occurs most commonly in nursing home patients, chronic opioid users, and patients with mental impairment.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 36-year-old, obese, African American male with a history of intellectual disability, bipolar disorder, and chronic constipation. Patient presented to the emergency room after an episode of syncope, confusion, 24-hour abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. On admission to the ED the patient was found to be in sepsis; within 4 h he developed septic shock. CT scan of the abdomen showed impacted fecal matter in a significantly distended left and sigmoid colon. This was associated with colitis, extensive fat stranding and free fluid, without pneumoperitoneum. The patient was taken to the operating room for exploration where he underwent an extended left colectomy and Hartmann's procedure. Pathology showed acute focal colitis with transmural necrosis. There were no signs of perforation or inflammatory bowel disease. The patient recovered and was discharged home on post-operative day 8. Upon follow up on post-operative day 22, he was doing well.

Clinical discussion

This case illustrates a very rare and challenging scenario. Complications of stercoral colitis include: stercoral ulcer, perforation, ischemic colitis, sepsis and death. Peritonitis, sepsis and bowel necrosis without perforation is extremely rare with very few cases reported in the literature. Colectomy with diversion is the mainstay of therapy.

Conclusion

It is of paramount importance for ED providers and general surgeons to be aware of this condition. It presents a diagnostic challenge and carries an elevated mortality. Elderly patients on chronic opioids and those with mental impairment are at a higher risk.

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Stercoral colitis induced sepsis is a challenging diagnosis.

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Stercoral colitis induced sepsis has a mortality close to 60 %.

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Source control is paramount to avoid fatal outcomes.

A Case of Stercoral Colitis Complicated by Ischemic Colitis in a Young Patient

Stercoral colitis complicated by ischemic colitis is rare. Current literature has focused on the radiographic characteristics of stercoral colitis and management of bowel perforation resulting from complicated stercoral colitis. This case report describes possible challenges in diagnosing and managing stercoral colitis complicated by ischemic colitis. We present a case of stercoral colitis complicated by ischemic colitis in a 28-year-old woman who presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. 

Differential colitis susceptibility of Th1- and Th2-biased mice: A multi-omics approach

The health and economic burden of colitis is increasing globally. Understanding the role of host genetics and metagenomics is essential to establish the molecular basis of colitis pathogenesis. In the present study, we have used a common composite dose of DSS to compare the differential disease severity response in C57BL/6 (Th1 biased) and BALB/c (Th2 biased) mice with zero mortality rates. We employed multi-omics approaches and developed a newer vector analysis approach to understand the molecular basis of the disease pathogenesis. In the current report, comparative transcriptomics, metabonomics, and metagenomics analyses revealed that the Th1 background of C57BL/6 induced intense inflammatory responses throughout the treatment period. On the contrary, the Th2 background of BALB/c resisted severe inflammatory responses by modulating the host’s inflammatory, metabolic, and gut microbial profile. The multi-omics approach also helped us discover some unique metabolic and microbial markers associated with the disease severity. These biomarkers could be used in diagnostics.

Stercoral ulcer after Hirschsprung's disease surgery

Constipation and stercoral ulcer are risk factors associated with Hirschsprung's disease (HD); long-term follow-up is, thus, essential. In postoperative HD associated with Down syndrome (DS) with intellectual disability, vigilant follow-up is required to avoid severe constipation because DS predisposes the patients to constipation and caregivers cannot easily understand the symptoms.

Stercoral colitis due to massive fecal impaction: a case report and literature review

Stercoral colitis is a rare inflammatory condition involving the large bowel wall secondary to fecal impaction. Stercoral colitis has a clinical course ranging from non-complicated fecaloid impaction to colonic perforation. This case report aims to give a brief review of this condition and discuss its imaging findings.

CASE PRESENTATION

We herein report a case 74-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and the absence of gas-feces discharge for a few days. The patient had a one-year history of chronic constipation and recent femoral neck fracture surgery. Physical examination shows abdominal distension with slight tenderness. Abdominal radiographs demonstrated bowel distention and fecal material in the colorectal regions. Computed tomography (CT) images demonstrated abundant fecal material with massive dilatation in the rectosigmoid colon, focal mural thickening, subtle pericolic fat stranding, and minimal free fluid in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of stercoral colitis was made. The patient was treated conservatively and eventually discharged with a good health condition.

CONCLUSION

Stercoral colitis seems to be more common in elderly patients with comorbid diseases. Chronic constipation causing fecal impaction is a major risk factor. CT scan is the most helpful imaging modality for the diagnosis of stercoral colitis. CT findings that should prompt the radiologist to consider this diagnosis include colonic dilatation containing impacted feces, mural thickening, and pericolic fat stranding. If the fecal impaction is not promptly relieved, life-threatening complications such as colonic perforation can occur.

A case of colonic obstruction combined with ischemic colitis

CT scan of the abdomen showing a large amount of feces in the anterior descending recto-sigmoid colon with wall thickening (red arrow) and surrounding fat stranding (yellow arrow) suggestive of stercoral colitis.

Stercoral Colitis in a Patient With Pediatric-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Case Analysis and Review of the Literature

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoantibody-related disease that affects multiple organs. Stercoral colitis (SC) is a rare type of inflammatory colitis with a high mortality rate. Here, we report the first case of pediatric-onset lupus in a case complicated by stercoral colitis. We also conducted a literature review of patients with SC under 30 years old to provide useful clues for rapid diagnosis at a young age. A 28-year-old female with a history of lupus and neuropsychiatric SLE was admitted with severe abdominal pain. She was found to have stercoral colitis during surgery. Two years later, the patient underwent Hartman's operation due to ischemia of the colon. In addition, 10 patients younger than 30 years old with a diagnosis of SC were analyzed based on clinical presentation, physical examination, laboratory exam, imaging and treatment. All cases had a favorable outcome without mortality. Stercoral colitis is a rare but lethal complication, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Differential diagnosis should include stercoral colitis for patients with SLE developing unexplained sharp abdominal pain.

Diagnostic methods and drug therapies in patients with ischemic colitis

PURPOSE

Ischemic colitis (IC) is the most prevalent ischemic injury of thegastrointestinal tract. Clinical features of IC such as acute abdominal pain, hematochezia,and diarrhea are similar to those of acute mesenteric ischemia, inflammatorybowel disease, or infectious bowel disease, and their relative ambiguity candelay diagnosis and treatment. To comprehensively detail the current state ofdiagnostic methods and available drug therapies for detecting and treating IC,this review aims to provide a concise and practical summary of thecorresponding literature.

METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched toretrieve all published studies reporting the diagnostic methods and drugtherapies in patients with ischemic colitis. The search strategy of drugtherapy includes human and animal data.

RESULTS

Colonoscopy combined with histopathologicalbiopsy is the standard of diagnosis for the IC. Most patients respond well tothe conservative treatment, and surgical consultation is needed when conservativetreatment is ineffective. Studies of potential drug therapy have beendeveloped, including phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, pentoxifylline,rebamipide, prostaglandin E1, and polydeoxyribonucleotide.

CONCLUSION

Accurate diagnoses and effective treatmentshave helped reduce the mortality rate and improve prognoses for patientsafflicted with IC, and corresponding drug therapies have been constantlyupdated as new research has emerged.

A case of stercoral colitis with marked elevation of serum carcinoembryonic antigen

It should be noted that the serum CEA level can become elevated in severe stercoral colitis. Marked elevation of the serum CEA level in stercoral colitis may suggest the necessity of surgery in patients with stercoral colitis.