Toxic megacolon

Toxic megacolon is a severe complication characterised by an extreme dilation of the colon, often associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or infections such as Clostridium difficile. It matters clinically due to the risk of colonic perforation and sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Prompt recognition and management are crucial, as untreated toxic megacolon can lead to significant morbidity and necessitate surgical intervention.