Gastrointestinal dilatation

Pathologic distention of a segment of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small bowel, or large bowel) caused by accumulation of gas, fluid, or ingested contents, resulting from impaired passage or abnormal gastrointestinal motility.

Causes

• Mechanical obstruction

  • Gastrointestinal strictures

  • Adhesions

  • Hernias

  • Volvulus

  • Tumors

  • Foreign bodies

• Gastrointestinal motility disorders

  • Gastroparesis

  • Intestinal pseudo-obstruction

  • Paralytic ileus

  • Impaired peristalsis due to systemic illness

• Medications affecting gastrointestinal motility

• Inflammatory or infiltrative disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

• Hyperglycemia-associated gastrointestinal dysmotility

• Electrolyte disturbances

  • Hypokalemia

  • Hypercalcemia

  • Hyponatremia

• Neurological disorders affecting bowel motility (Ogilvie syndrome)