Which diagnostic tests are most effective for confirming ischaemic colitis in primary care settings?

Diagnostic tests most effective for confirming ischaemic colitis in primary care settings:

• There is no direct UK primary care guideline specifically addressing diagnostic tests for ischaemic colitis in the provided context.
• However, based on related gastrointestinal conditions such as acute diverticulitis, initial assessment in primary care involves clinical evaluation and consideration of symptoms and signs.
• For suspected complicated cases, blood tests including full blood count, urea and electrolytes, and C-reactive protein are recommended to assess inflammation and severity, which may be applicable to ischaemic colitis suspicion as well.
• Imaging such as contrast-enhanced CT scan is the preferred diagnostic test in secondary care to confirm diagnosis and guide management of colonic ischemia or diverticulitis complications.
• In primary care, if symptoms persist or worsen, referral to secondary care for further assessment including imaging is advised.
• Endoscopy is generally a key diagnostic tool for colonic ischemia but is not typically performed in primary care.

Therefore, in primary care, the most effective approach to confirming ischaemic colitis involves clinical assessment, blood tests to detect inflammation, and prompt referral for imaging (contrast CT) and specialist evaluation for definitive diagnosis and management ¹.