{"ops":[{"insert":"A 75 year old man presents with mild cramping pain in the left lower abdomen for 1 day. During the same time, he twice passed stools well mixed with fresh blood.\n\nHis surgical history is significant for removal of a single adenomatous polyp during a screening colonoscopy 2 years ago. In addition, he was diagnosed with hypertension 5 years ago, and stage III chronic kidney disease 3 years ago, for which he is being followed up regularly.\n\nHis smoking history amounts to 7.5 pack years. He only drinks socially and denies recreational drug abuse. A complete blood count reveals a leukocyte count of 12,000\/mm3.\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"image":"\/storage\/case-images\/pd\/PD-M-082_en.png"}},{"insert":"\n"}]}
2
Investigate
Barium Enema
{"ops":[{"insert":"You realize that a barium enema might not be a good idea.\n"}]}
Colonoscopy
{"ops":[{"insert":"Colonoscopy reveals a large, necrotic-appearing mass occupying most of the descending colon, from which multiple biopsies are obtained.\n\nThe biopsy specimen is significant for necrotic colonic mucosa, fibrinopurulent exudates, partially viable tissue, and changes which favor mucosal infarction. There are no features suggestive of malignancy.\n"}]}