Pathology Questions-9

9. A 28-year-old recently divorced man with no
significant past medical history presents to
the emergency room with progressive lower
abdominal pain and cramping over the past
4 days, both of which are relieved by defecation.
He has suffered from substantial bloody
and mucoid diarrhea during this time. His
temperature is 102.8°F. Laboratory studies
reveal an elevated white blood cell (WBC)
count and a high erythrocyte sedimentation
rate. Sigmoidoscopy reveals extensive rectal
and sigmoid hyperemia and edema, numerous
superficial ulcerations, and small focal
mucosal hemorrhages, many of which have
suppurative centers. Significant intestinal narrowing
is seen in the distal transverse colon.
These findings most likely suggest a diagnosis
of which of the following?
(A) amebic colitis
(B) collagenous colitis
(C) cytomegalovirus enterocolitis
(D) pseudomembranous colitis
(E) ulcerative colitis

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