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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
07:33
A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Chronic primary intestinal pseudo-obstruction from visceral myopathy
M T Muñoz-Yagüe1, J C Marín, F Colina
1Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. jsolis.hdoc@salud.madrid.org
Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|June 24, 2006
Summary
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction can stem from rare primary intestinal myopathies. This case reveals a novel myopathy with disrupted muscle bundles and myocyte degeneration, distinct from known causes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare disorder mimicking mechanical bowel obstruction without a physical blockage.
- Etiologies for CIPO are diverse, including neurological, muscular, endocrine, autoimmune, and drug-induced factors.
Observation:
- This report details a unique case of CIPO caused by a sporadic, primary intestinal myopathy.
- Histological examination of the intestinal wall revealed disrupted muscle bundles and interstitial edema.
- Severe degenerative changes were observed in myocytes, while neurons in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses remained unaffected.
Findings:
- The observed myopathy did not align with any previously described types.
- Mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity and thymidine phosphorylase activity were normal.
- No abnormalities were detected in mitochondrial DNA.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of known intestinal myopathies contributing to CIPO.
- It highlights the importance of detailed histological analysis to identify novel causes of gastrointestinal motility disorders.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of this specific myopathy is warranted for potential therapeutic targets.
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