Differentials
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD)
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
AAD includes osmotic diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. Nausea and diarrhea present. Absence of fever.
INVESTIGATIONS
All tests within normal limits. Negative tests for Clostridioides difficile toxin.
Ischemic colitis
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
History of stroke, hypotension, heart failure, diabetes, or abdominal radiation exposure. Symptoms of bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever.
INVESTIGATIONS
Colonoscopy reveals inflamed mucosal surface or ischemic ulcers. Angiography reveals arterial flow disruption.
Bacterial or viral gastroenteritis
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
History of travel, eating contaminated food, or family members also ill.
May have history of bloody stools.
INVESTIGATIONS
Blood as well as stool culture positive for invasive bacterial infection.
Inflammatory bowel disease
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Chronic diarrhea that may be bloody with extraintestinal manifestations.
INVESTIGATIONS
Colonoscopic and pathologic findings suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease.
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