Pseudo-obstruction of the colon during pelvic radiotherapy.
Pseudo-obstruction of the colon, or Ogilvie's syndrome, is characterized by an adynamic, dilated, unobstructed colon, the exact cause of which remains obscure. Although several precipitating factors have been described in the literature, we have observed three patients whose pseudo-obstruction of the colon occurred during interstitial and intracavitary pelvic irradiation. Such a cause has not been noted previously. Pseudo-obstruction of the colon can have serious consequences if it is not recognized early and treated vigorously.
D000368:Aged; D002429:Cecal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D007418:Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011859:Radiography; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013577:Syndrome