Background and Study Aims: In a previous study, we have shown that rectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) could
be used to differentiate ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease by demonstrating
the presence of pathological lymph nodes around the rectum and sigmoid colon which
were characteristic of ulcerative colitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate
the endosonographic features of infectious colitis and their potential clinical relevance.
Patients and Methods: We carried out rectal endosonography in 17 patients with infectious colitis of various
etiologies. Wall features and perirectal lymph nodes were documented systematically.
Results: In 15 patients no pathological lymph nodes were seen and the EUS wall features were
also normal. In two patients where EUS showed pathological lymph nodes, follow-up
confirmed ulcerative colitis several weeks later.
Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that, in patients with infectious colitis, EUS may
be able to suggest the diagnosis of associated ulcerative colitis; further studies
with larger patient numbers are necessary.
