Korean J Gastroenterol.  2021 Jun;77(6):313-316. 10.4166/kjg.2021.034.

Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction Induced by Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

• Ryu SJ
• Lee JY
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2516894
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2021.034

Abstract

A colonic pseudo-obstruction is a disorder that causes abdominal distension and abdominal pain similar to a mechanical obstruction, but there are no structural lesions that can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract. This condition can be acute or chronic. An acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, also called Ogilvie's syndrome, is believed to be a condition induced by other causes that are different from a chronic colonic pseudo-obstruction. The pathogenesis involves abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system induced by systemic diseases or medications, and it often improves when the primary causes are treated. On the other hand, a chronic colonic pseudo-obstruction can occur repeatedly without a particular cause. The authors encountered neuroleptic malignant syndrome that caused acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. This paper reports a case with a review of the relevant literature. This is the first case reported in Korea. This case shows that physicians should consider neuroleptic malignant syndrome as a cause of an acute colonic pseudo-obstruction.

Keyword

Colonic pseudo-obstruction; Neuroleptic malignant syndrome; Schizophrenia