Pseudomembranous colitis: a consideration in the barium enema differential diagnosis of acute generalized ulcerative colitis

Two patients with pseudomembranous colitis showed appearances on barium enema examination which closely resembled acute, universal ulcerative colitis. Both cases had serrations of the colonic margin from rectum to caecum. These serrations are caused by the pseudomembranes which stud an otherwise normal mucosa. The disease may be suspected if known predisposing conditions exist. Both our patients has prior treatment with oral clindamycin. Sigmoidoscopy and rectal biopsy offer modalities for ready diagnosis.