Abdominal pathology in spinal cord injured persons

The assessment and management of abdominal disease in persons with spinal cord injuries is extremely complex. Alterations in the normal conduction of impulses to the brain can result in symptoms that may be quite unlike those which are commonly associated with abdominal pathology. A number of features, however, have been identified which can assist the practitioner in the interpretation of the clinical evaluation. This article discusses those findings and the most commonly occurring abdominal disorders in which they are seen. Two case studies are presented which exemplify the symptomatology described and which reinforce the need for early accurate diagnosis and management of abdominal disease in spinal cord injured persons.