Caecitis

Overview
Caecitis, also called typhlitis or typhlenteritis, is an inflammation of the caecum (part of the small intestine) that may be associated with infection.

Cause
The condition is usually caused by gram negative enteric commensal bacteria of the gut (gut flora). The most common agent associated with the condition is Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Caecitis affects immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, patients with AIDS, kidney transplant patients, or the elderly.

Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of caecitis include a distended abdomen, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and tenderness, and diarrhea.

Prognosis
Inflammation can spread to other parts of the gut in patients with caecitis.

The condition can also cause the cecum to become distended and can cut off its blood supply. This and other factors can result in necrosis and perforation of the bowel, which can cause peritonitis and sepsis. The mortality rate for caecitis can be as high as 40 to 50%, mostly because it is frequently associated with bowel perforation. Caecitis is diagnosed with a radiograph CT scan showing thickening of the caecum and "fat stranding".