A 24-year-old woman with a history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been treated with loperamide, psyllium, and imipramine. Because of continued abdom-inal pain, bloating, and alternating constipation/diarrhea, she is started on alosetron, 0.5 mg bid. Five days later she is brought to the emergency department with severe ab-dominal pain. On examination she is in severe discom-fort. Her temperature is 39°C, blood pressure 90/55 mmHg, heart rate 115 beats/min, respiratory rate 22 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation normal. Abdominal examination is notable for hypoactive bowel sounds, dif-fuse tenderness, and guarding without rebound tender-ness. Her stool is heme positive. Laboratory studies are notable for a white blood cell count of 15,800 with a left shift and a slight anion gap metabolic acidosis. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Appendicitis
B. Clostridium difficile colitis
C. Crohn’s disease
D. Ischemic colitis
E. Perforated duodenal ulcer
A. Appendicitis
B. Clostridium difficile colitis
C. Crohn’s disease
D. Ischemic colitis
E. Perforated duodenal ulcer