Acute radiation enteritis is transient intestinal inflammation and irritation during or after a course of radiation therapy (RT). Occurring in approximately 75% of patients in RT treatment for abdominal / pelvic cancers, common signs and symptoms include nausea, emesis, abdominal pain, tenesmus, hematochezia, and diarrhea. This occurs because RT preferentially targets rapidly dividing cells, including tumors but also the intestinal mucosa.
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.
Acute radiation enteritis
Alerts and Notices
Important News & Links
Synopsis
![Acute radiation enteritis : Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal cramp, Hematochezia, Low grade fever, Tenesmus](/visualdx/sympticonswm/2248.png?r=1fdb69a28)
Codes
ICD10CM:
K52.0 – Gastroenteritis and colitis due to radiation
SNOMEDCT:
235707005 – Acute Radiation Enteritis
K52.0 – Gastroenteritis and colitis due to radiation
SNOMEDCT:
235707005 – Acute Radiation Enteritis
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential
Subscription Required
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Reviewed:11/28/2016
Last Updated:03/03/2024
Last Updated:03/03/2024