[The Ogilvie syndrome in a severely burned patient]

The Ogilvie syndrome is an acute colonic dilatation of the previously healthy colon, without any organic obstruction. Pathological circumstances such as burns and antipsychotic medication have been identified as predisposing elements. The incidence of this complication, in the reanimation of burn patients, varies between 0.5 to 1%. The purpose of our study is to draw attention to the Ogilvie symptom by describing a case with its clinical and paraclinical data, its physiopathological causes, and the therapeutic aspects. The clinical picture in our patient was characteristic: extensive abdominal meteorism. The abdominal scan showed massive colonic dilatation without any mechanical obstacles. The outcome was successful after colonoscopic exsufflation. The Ogilvie syndrome is a rare occurrence which without effective treatment may result in caecal perforation and a poor prognosis. It is therefore necessary to establish the diagnosis early and, in particular, to initiate close radiological follow-up after the establishment of medical treatment, in which colonoscopy plays an important part.