What does endoscopic examination reveal in cases of colonic ischemia?

In cases of colonic ischemia, endoscopic examination typically reveals friable and edematous mucosa. This finding is indicative of the underlying pathophysiology. When blood flow to the colon is compromised, it results in ischemia, which can lead to inflammation and damage of the intestinal lining.

The term "friable" suggests that the mucosa is easily broken apart, which can occur due to the lack of blood supply and subsequent necrosis. Edematous indicates that there is swelling, a direct result of the inflammatory response that occurs in response to ischemia. Together, these characteristics help in diagnosing colonic ischemia during the endoscopic examination, aiding clinicians in formulating an appropriate management plan.

In contrast, other findings such as normal mucosa, smooth and pale mucosa, or excessive bleeding would not accurately reflect the typical appearance of the colon in cases of ischemia, where active inflammatory processes and tissue response are prominent.