Definitions for "Toxic megacolon"
A dilatation (swelling) of the colon that may lead to perforation, usually resulting in a very severe attack of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Urgent surgery is almost always needed.
Acute, severe inflammation of the colonic wall accompanied by extreme dilatation of the colon along with symptoms of intoxication.
Inflammation or infection of the colon, which results in an enlarged colon and puts the patient at risk for perforations in the intestinal wall. Rapid heartbeat, fever, pain, blood in the stools and abdominal cramping are symptoms of toxic megacolon.