title: Evaluation of the patient with suspected malabsorption.
abstract: The term "malabsorption" is generally used to indicate any defect in absorption; strictly speaking, however, it is a defect in the mucosal phase of absorption. Defects in the intraluminal phase are termed "maldigestion." This distinction is essential when considering the pathophysiology to apply diagnostic tests in the evaluation of malabsorption. This article first discusses the signs and symptoms associated with malabsorption, the disorders associated with malabsorption, normal intestinal absorption, and, finally, the diagnostic test used to investigate absorption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Romano
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Dobbins
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D001944:Breath Tests; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood; D005243:Feces / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008286:Malabsorption Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D012546:Schilling Test; D012633:Secretin; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood; D014994:Xylose
chemical_list: D012633:Secretin; D002338:Carotenoids; D014994:Xylose; D014805:Vitamin B 12