Etymed
pseudomembranous colitis
Definition
Inflammation of the colon characterized by the formation of false membranes
Clinical context
A 65-year-old patient presents with severe diarrhea and abdominal pain after 10 days of ampicillin therapy for a urinary tract infection. Stool sample reveals pseudomembranous plaques on colonoscopy. The condition is caused by overgrowth of C. difficile following antibiotic disruption of normal flora.
Mnemonic
Pseudomembranes = Pile of Pus in Colon
These morphemes also unlock…
- pseudo- — false
- membran/o — membrane; thin layer
- -ous — pertaining to; resembling
- col/o — colon
- -itis — inflammation