Etymed
megacolon
Definition
Abnormal dilation or enlargement of the colon
Clinical context
A 65-year-old patient presents with severe constipation and abdominal distension lasting several weeks. Imaging reveals massive dilation of the entire colon with no evidence of mechanical obstruction. The patient has a history of chronic constipation and was treated with laxatives without improvement. This case represents a diagnosis of megacolon, often associated with conditions like Hirschsprung disease or severe constipation leading to secondary colonic dilation.
Mnemonic
MEGACOLON - Massive Enlarged Gut Abnormality - Colon dilated like a balloon