Ogilvie's syndrome: Difference between revisions

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==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
===Work-up===
===Work-up===
*Same as [[Bowel obstruction|bowel obstruction]]
Same as [[Bowel obstruction|bowel obstruction]]
 
*Labs:
**CBC: significant leukocytosis may indicate sepsis/gangrene/perforation
**Electrolyte Panel: guides rehydration
*Imaging: See Clinical Features above
**Abdominal XR
**CT
**Water soluble contrast enema
**Colonoscopy
 
===Evaluation===
===Evaluation===



Revision as of 19:37, 30 August 2015

Background

  • Ogilvie syndrome is also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO)
  • Defined as a large bowel obstruction (LBO) in which no obstructing lesion can be identified
  • No definite etiology identified: suspected to develop secondary to a disbalance of colonic autonomic regulatory control
  • Predisposing factors: recent surgery, underlying neurologic disorders, critical illness
  • First described in 1948 by Sir Ogilvie, in two patients with retroperitoneal malignancy and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction

Clinical Features

History:

  • Typically present in patients with concomitant acute comorbid conditions
    • Commonly: significant spinal or retroperitoneal trauma
    • Also: significant electrolyte imbalances, significant narcotic exposure
  • Presenting signs and symptoms are the same as LBO: abdominal pain, distension, obstipation, vomiting
    • In contrast to mechanical obstruction, 40-50% will continue to pass flatus

Physical Exam:

  • Dilated bowel may be palpable
  • Findings suggestive of dehydration, sepsis, and gangrene/perforation may be present, depending on the extent of progression
  • Peritoneal signs and fever suggest perforation

Imaging:

  • Abdominal XR:
    • distended colon
    • small bowel distension possible
    • cecal diameter >12cm indicates high risk of perforation
  • CT:
    • dilation of the large bowel, often without an abrupt transition point
    • no mechanically obstructing lesion
    • gradual transition point is commonly identified at or near the splenic flexure
  • Water soluble contrast enema:
    • diagnostic: rules out mechanical obstruction
    • may also be therapeutic
  • Colonoscopy: also diagnostic and therapeutic

Differential Diagnosis

Bowel obstruction

Diagnosis

Work-up

Same as bowel obstruction

  • Labs:
    • CBC: significant leukocytosis may indicate sepsis/gangrene/perforation
    • Electrolyte Panel: guides rehydration
  • Imaging: See Clinical Features above
    • Abdominal XR
    • CT
    • Water soluble contrast enema
    • Colonoscopy

Evaluation

Management

  • Varies, requires surgical consultation
    • May resolve with conservative treatment or require colonoscopic decompression or operative management

Disposition

  • Admission

See Also

External Links

References

  • Rocco V. Acute and Chronic Constipation In: Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine. 7th ed. McGraw-Hill. 2011: Chapter 77