Clostridium difficile infection other imaging findings

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.

Overview

In patients with suspected C. difficile infection and inconclusive laboratory diagnostic findings, atypical presentation, or unsuccessful antimicrobial therapy, either a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is indicated. During endoscopy, multiple biopsies should be obtained for microscopic histopathological analysis. On gross examination, colonic pseudomembranes with yellow colored plaque formation are typical findings.

Other Imaging Findings

In patients with suspected C. difficile infection and inconclusive laboratory diagnostic findings, atypical presentation, or unsuccessful antimicrobial therapy, either a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is indicated. During endoscopy, multiple biopsies should be obtained for microscopic histopathological analysis.

Gross Endoscopy Findings

The following findings on endoscopy (either sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) are suggestive of C. difficile infection:

• Colonic pseudomembranes with yellow colored plaque formation
• Areas of hemorrhage, which may be either multifocal, segmental, or diffuse
• Hyperemic congestion
• Marked edema formation of the intestinal wall
• Superficial erosions and ulcer formation

For more details about the biopsy findings of C. difficile infection, click here