n SA Journal of Radiology - Degenerative leiomyopathy : case report

Abstract

Extracted from text ... CASE REPORT 16 SA JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY ? June 2006 Degenerative leiomyopathy (DL) is a distinctive form of acquired degenerative visceral myopathy of uncertain aetiology. It occurs mainly in Africa and results in intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IP). Thirtynine patients from the Western Cape region of South Africa have been reported.1 Characteristic clinical features included a chronic, insidious history of repeated attacks of abdominal distension, pain and vomiting. Marked gaseous distension with atony and IP, especially of the colon, was noted on X-ray films. Megacolon was the most common radiological feature, but pseudo-obstruction extended proximally into the small intestine in some patients ..