What is the main feature of pseudomembranous colitis?

Pseudomembranous colitis is characterized primarily by acute inflammation of the colon associated with the formation of pseudomembranes. These pseudomembranes are composed of fibrin, mucin, and inflammatory cells and typically appear on the mucosal surface of the colon when viewed during colonoscopy or upon pathological examination. This condition is often linked to Clostridium difficile infection, commonly occurring after antibiotic exposure, which disrupts the normal gut flora and allows for overgrowth of this pathogenic organism.

The acute inflammatory response involves significant damage to the colonic mucosa, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. The presence of these plaques or membranes is a key diagnostic feature and helps differentiate pseudomembranous colitis from other forms of colitis or gastrointestinal disorders. The inflammatory process is directly involved with the resultant clinical manifestations, which underscores why acute inflammation with plaque formation is the main feature of this condition.