Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction Induced by Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

• Published in: The Korean journal of gastroenterology Vol. 77; no. 6; pp. 313 - 316
• Main Authors: Ryu, Sung Ju, Lee, Jong Yoon, Lee, Jong Hoon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Jin Publishing & Printing Co 25.06.2021
• Subjects: colonic pseudo-obstruction; neuroleptic malignant syndrome; schizophrenia
• ISSN: 1598-9992; 2233-6869
• DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2021.034

A colonic pseudo-obstruction is a disorder that causes abdominal distension and abdominal pain similar to a mechanical obstruction, but there are no structural lesions that can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract. This condition can be acute or chronic. An acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, also called Ogilvie's syndrome, is believed to be a condition induced by other causes that are different from a chronic colonic pseudo-obstruction. The pathogenesis involves abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system induced by systemic diseases or medications, and it often improves when the primary causes are treated. On the other hand, a chronic colonic pseudo-obstruction can occur repeatedly without a particular cause. The authors encountered neuroleptic malignant syndrome that caused acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. This paper reports a case with a review of the relevant literature. This is the first case reported in Korea. This case shows that physicians should consider neuroleptic malignant syndrome as a cause of an acute colonic pseudo- obstruction.