Pseudomembranous colitis complicated with toxic megacolon. Report of a case

We present a patient who developed pseudomembranous colitis a few days after suffering serious multiple traumas and after receiving a variety of antibiotic treatments. The patient, whose condition was further complicated by toxic megacolon, underwent subtotal colectomy and ileostomy. Toxic megacolon is a rare complication of enterocolitis due to C. difficile and is associated with a high rate of mortality. We review the cases published to date, describe the pathogenesis of the condition, and discuss the diagnostic criteria for pseudomembranous colitis, emphasizing treatment and possible complications.