[Pseudo-obstruction of the stomach and small intestines]

The authors review the pathological classification of chronic pseudo-obstruction syndromes, the differential diagnosis of these syndromes in order to rule out an obstructive lesion, the differential diagnosis of idiopathic chronic pseudo-obstruction syndrome and systemic sclerosis, the diagnostic contribution of oesophageal manometry and of gastro-intestinal manometry and electromyography, and finally the treatment of these syndromes. The authors mention also their experience in the treatment of severe diabetic gastroparesis with erythromycin, agonist of the gastric and duodenal motilin receptors. In 10 patients compared to controls, delayed gastric emptying for solid and liquid foods was normalized after intravenous injection of 200 mg erythromycin versus placebo.