Intestinal volvulus in idiopathic steatorrhea

Volvulus of the intestine has recently been observed in three patients with idiopathic steatorrhea in relapse. Two patients gave a history of intermittent abdominal pain, distension and obstipation. Radiographic studies during these attacks revealed obstruction at the level of the sigmoid colon. Red...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCanadian Medical Association journal Vol. 88; no. 2; pp. 71 - 74
Main Authors WARNER, H A, KINNEAR, D G, CAMERON, D G
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Canada 12.01.1963
Subjects
Abdominal Pain
Celiac Disease
Chronic Disease
Colon, Sigmoid
Diarrhea
Humans
Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal Volvulus
Intestines
Male
Old Medline
Original
Sprue, Tropical
Steatorrhea
SPRUE
INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION
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Summary:Volvulus of the intestine has recently been observed in three patients with idiopathic steatorrhea in relapse. Two patients gave a history of intermittent abdominal pain, distension and obstipation. Radiographic studies during these attacks revealed obstruction at the level of the sigmoid colon. Reduction under proctoscopic control was achieved in one instance, spontaneous resolution occurring in the other. The third patient presented as a surgical emergency and underwent operative reduction of a small intestinal volvulus. Persistence of diarrhea and weight loss postoperatively led to further investigation and a diagnosis of idiopathic steatorrhea. In all cases, treatment resulted in clinical remission with a coincident disappearance of obstructive intestinal symptoms. The pathogenesis of volvulus in sprue is poorly understood. Atonicity and dilatation of the bowel and stretching of the mesentery likely represent important factors. The symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain and distension in idiopathic steatorrhea necessitate an increased awareness of intestinal volvulus as a complication of this disease.
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ISSN:0008-4409