Unusual case of gastroparesis leading to severe gastromegaly with demyelinating disease as a rare cause

S D Med. 2013 Nov;66(11):467-9.

Abstract

Introduction: Gastroparesis is an entity of symptomatic abnormal gastric emptying, with diabetes mellitus, postsurgical and idiopathic etiologies accounting for majority of the cases.

Case report: We report the case of a young African American female, who presented with abdominal discomfort, inability to tolerate a regular diet and intermittent episodes of numbness, tingling and cramps in her extremities. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a massively distended stomach, compressing the intestines and liver. A gastric emptying study revealing markedly worsened gastroparesis. Severe gastroparesis causing massive gastromegaly secondary to multiple sclerosis was diagnosed.

Conclusion: This case illustrates severe gastromegaly that is rarely seen to this extent and identifies multiple sclerosis (MS) as a rare cause of gastroparesis. MS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastroparesis in appropriate clinical settings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Demyelinating Diseases / diagnosis
  • Demyelinating Diseases / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Gastric Dilatation / diagnosis
  • Gastric Dilatation / etiology*
  • Gastric Emptying*
  • Gastroparesis / complications*
  • Gastroparesis / diagnosis
  • Gastroparesis / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging