Ogilvie syndrome

Ogilvie syndrome is the acute pseudoobstruction and dilation of the colon in the absence of any mechanical obstruction in severely ill patients. Colonic pseudo-obstruction is characterized by massive dilatation of the cecum (diameter > 10 cm) and right colon on abdominal X-ray. It is a type of megacolon, sometimes referred to as "acute megacolon," to distinguish it from toxic megacolon. The condition carries the name of the British surgeon Sir William Heneage Ogilvie (1887–1971), who first reported it in 1948. Ogilvie's syndrome may occur after surgery, especially following coronary artery bypass surgery and total joint replacement. It is also seen with neurologic disorders, serious infections, cardiorespiratory insufficiency, and...