Double-contrast enema in antibiotic-related pseudomembranous colitis.

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a potentially fatal disease often associated with antibiotic therapy. The condition is now known to be due to an enterotoxin produced by Clostridium difficile. Diagnosis is based on the endoscopic finding of the typical pseudomembranes, stool culture, and assay of the stools for the specific toxin. Radiography with double-contrast medium (DCE), which can be performed in patients not critically ill, often yields pathognomonic findings and permits early diagnosis.