Presentation
Gross painless abdominal distension in an elderly patient.
Patient Data
Age: 85 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Colonic pseudo-obstruction
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Info
Gross colonic dilatation from cecum to anus with no obstructing lesion identified - typical of this syndrome.
Case Discussion
CT is helpful in delineating the cause of bowel dilatation. Always look for a point of transition from dilated to collapsed bowel = site of obstruction. In this case there is no transition point to the anus this mechanical obstruction is unlikely. On that basis this is likely to be a functional disorder of the bowel ie poor or absent peristalsis. Dilatation can be extreme even leading to venous ischemia of the bowel wall and perforation.
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