- Toxic megacolon is a severe, life-threatening complication of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, characterized by extreme colonic dilation and systemic toxicity.
- It results from intense inflammation and necrosis of the colonic wall due to the cytotoxins produced by C. difficile.
- This can lead to colonic perforation, sepsis, and shock.
- Prompt recognition and treatment are critical to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Edition, Chapter 147