Repeated pseudo-obstruction, mental subnormality--and serious snags.
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction has certain identifiable causes but many cases remain idiopathic. The majority of patients are managed successfully by conservative means with the avoidance of surgery. A case is presented where diagnosis was made difficult by autism and which was complicated by perforation of a gastric ulcer. Management of pseudo-obstruction is discussed and emphasis placed on an awareness of alternative life-threatening pathologies at re-presentation.
D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D007418:Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D010439:Peptic Ulcer Perforation / Q000150:complications*; D012008:Recurrence; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000150:complications*