Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in adults: A practical guide to identify patient subgroups that are suitable for more specific treatments

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare and heterogeneous syndrome characterized by recurrent symptoms of intestinal obstruction with radiological features of dilated small or large intestine with air/fluid levels in the absence of any mechanical occlusive lesion. Several diseases may be associated with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and in these cases, the prognosis and treatment are related to the underlying disease. Also, in its primary or idiopathic form, two subgroups of patients should be determined as they require a more specific therapeutic approach: patients whose chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is due to sporadic autoimmune/inflammatory mechanisms and patients whose neuromuscular changes are genetically determined. In a context of a widely heterogeneous adult population presenting chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, this review aims to summarize a practical diagnostic workup for identifying definite subgroups of patients who might benefit from more specific treatments, based on the etiology of their underlying condition.

Automated summary

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare and heterogeneous syndrome characterized by recurrent symptoms of intestinal obstruction without any mechanical occlusive lesions. This condition can be associated with various diseases, and the treatment and prognosis depend on the underlying condition. Subgroups of patients can be determined based on the etiology, including those with autoimmune/inflammatory mechanisms or genetically determined neuromuscular changes.