ABSTRACT

Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterized by recurring episodes of symptoms and signs of intestinal obstruction which include abdominal distention and pain, nausea, and vomiting. Although radiologic studies reveal dilated loops of bowel with air fluid levels, but there is no any mechanically obstructing lesion. The two pathophysiologic types of this motility disorder are myopathic and neuropathic. Herein, we reported a patient with chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and attempted to review the relevant literature. Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a clinical entity characterized by recurring episodes or continuous symptoms and signs of bowel obstruction in the absence of a mechanically obstructing lesion, including radiological features of obstruction. Pseudo-obstruction occurs in both the small bowel and colon and it can be either acute or chronic. Although acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, also known as Ogilvie syndrome, is the most common form of intestinal obstruction, chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction (CIIP) has been defined as a rare and severe, disabling and heterogeneous clinical syndrome. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) have been simplied in the pathogenesis of CIIP. Sometimes acute abdominal findings can be seen.