Acute pancreatitis: A rare cause of ogilvie syndrome

Abstract

Acute colonic pseudoocclusion or Ogilvie syndrome is an acute expansion of the previously healthy colon, occurring in the absence of an obstructive lesion. Pathological circumstances such as pancreatitis or neuroleptic medication have been recognized as predisposing. The incidence of this digestive complication varies from 0.5% to 1%. The aim of our work is to recall, through a case of acute colon pseudo-obstruction in a patient with acute pancreatitis, the clinical and paraclinical data of this syndrome and its physiopathological bases, as well as its therapeutic management. The clinical picture was characteristic of our patient: significant abdominal meteorism. The abdominal scan showed an enormous colonic dilation without mechanical obstacles. The evolution was favourable after colonoscopic exsufflation. Ogilvie syndrome is a rare occurrence that can lead, without effective treatment, to cecal perforation with a poor prognosis. It is, therefore, necessary to establish the diagnosis early and especially to carry out strict radiological surveillance after the implementation of medical treatment, in which colonoscopy is a valuable contribution.