Megaduodenum

Abstract

Matzen, P., Davidsen, D. & Stenfeldt Mathiasen, M. Megaduodenum. A case with bacterial overgrowth, deconjugation of bile salts, malabsorption, and polyneuropathy. Scand. J. Gastroent. 1974, 9, 645–650.

A male aged 50 years suffering from severe duodenal dilatation and stasis proximal to the crossing of the intestine by the superior mesenteric artery had malabsorption. Abnormal intestinal bacterial flora, deconjugating of the bile salts, and slight folic acid deficiency were demonstrated. During the course of the condition, polyneuropathy developed which could not be explained by folic acid, B₁₂, or thiamine deficiency but was possibly due to deficiency of another essential nutrient factor. After attempts at conservative therapy, a duodenojejunostomy was performed but the patient died postoperatively from mesenteric thrombosis.

Key-words::

• Malabsorption
• megaduodenum
• polyneuropathy