Segmental dilatation of ileum: an unusual cause of severe malnutrition

Abstract

Segmental dilatation of the ileum causing blind loop syndrome was seen in a 6-year-old boy presenting with nonspecific symptoms and severe malnutrition. Barium meal was characteristic. Resection of the affected segment and an end-to-end anastomosis was curative and restored normal bowel function. Clinicians' awareness of this entity would help in appropriately managing such cases.

Segmental dilatation of the ileum accompanying hypoproteinemia

“…Most of the described cases were neonatal discoveries presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction, in which the clinical picture was hard to differentiate from more common causes of occlusion as intestinal atresia, Hirschsprung's disease, meconium ileus, intestinal duplication, and midgut volvulus [2][3][4][6][7][8]. In older infants and children symptoms vary.…”

“…The most frequent symptom beyond newborn period is gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia because of ulceration of the dilated segment that is more profuse in the presence of heterotopic gastric mucosa [2][3][4]6]. On the other hand, symptoms such as intermittent intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, malabsorption, and growth failure may be misleading as they are not attributed specifically to the disease [2,4,7].…”

“…Hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypoglobulinemia improved in a very short duration of time after the operation. Therefore, it is possible to assume that the condition had been because of protein malabsorption as SID caused functional intestinal obstruction resembling blind loop syndrome [7].…”

Pancreatic tissue in congenital segmental dilatation of intestine: case presentation and recommendation for treatment

“…Acute presenting symptoms include abdominal distension and vomiting in neonates [1,5,6] or intestinal bleeding in older children [7]. Presentation may also be insidious and nonspecific, examples being malnutrition [5,8] and iron deficiency anemia [9].…”

“…Segmental dilatation of intestine usually presents in the neonatal period [1,5,6] but can present in infancy and adulthood [5]. Acute presenting symptoms include abdominal distension and vomiting in neonates [1,5,6] or intestinal bleeding in older children [7].…”