Acute radiation enteritis
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Onset of acute radiation enteritis is typically 2-3 weeks after starting RT. Symptoms usually resolve 2-6 weeks after completion of RT. Approximately 5%-15% of patients will develop chronic radiation enteritis, which can lead to debilitating complications months or years after RT.
Management begins with prevention techniques to limit the field of radiation exposure during therapy. Treatment is largely supportive (eg, antiemetics). If diarrhea is considerable and leads to dehydration, hospitalization for IV fluids and possibly parenteral nutrition may be necessary.
Codes
ICD10CM:K52.0 – Gastroenteritis and colitis due to radiation
SNOMEDCT:
235707005 – Acute Radiation Enteritis
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Infectious gastroenteritis
- Malabsorptive diseases (eg, celiac disease, tufting enteropathy)
- Rapid gastric emptying
- Small bowel obstruction
- Inflammatory bowel disease (eg, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease)
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Reviewed:11/28/2016
Last Updated:11/28/2016
Last Updated:11/28/2016