A case of pseudomembranous colitis presenting as leukemoid reaction in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis

Pseudomembranous colitis primarily caused by C. difficile infection is common problem in hospitals nationwide. The most predisposing factor is prior use of antibiotics. Common clinical manifestations of C. difficile colitis include abdominal discomfort, fever, and diarrhea. Leukocytosis is also increasingly recognized as a manifestation. However, the leukemoid reaction due to C. difficile infection is rarely reported. The reason for leukemoid reaction in patients with C. difficile colitis are unclear but are likely related to significant systemic inflammatory response. We report a case of alcoholic cirrhosis with pseudomembranous colitis presenting as leukemoid reaction.(Korean J Med 70:S146-S150, 2006)