Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025
14:09
Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
20.7K
The Backup That Led to a Blackout: Syncope and Severe Constipation
Anupa Ghimire1, Sherell Hicks1
1Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, USA.
Cureus
|December 2, 2024
Summary
A rare cause of syncope, stercoral proctocolitis from severe fecal impaction, can compress the inferior vena cava (IVC). Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing this life-threatening condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Syncope is a frequent emergency department complaint.
- Stercoral proctocolitis, inflammation from fecal impaction, is an uncommon cause of syncope.
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) compression can lead to syncopal episodes.
Observation:
- A young male presented with syncope and constipation.
- Physical examination revealed abdominal distention.
- Diagnosis was severe fecal impaction causing stercoral proctocolitis and IVC compression.
Findings:
- The patient experienced intermittent syncope due to IVC compression.
- Emergent fecal disimpaction under anesthesia was performed.
- Successful resolution of symptoms post-intervention.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of a thorough physical examination in the ED.
- Underscores the potential for severe gastrointestinal issues to manifest as cardiovascular symptoms.
- Emphasizes considering rare diagnoses in patients with syncope and abdominal complaints.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
156
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
156
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
134
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
134
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
1.3K
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
1.3K
01:22Pathophysiology of Vomiting
302
Vomiting is a complex physiological response to expel harmful or irritating substances from the body. It's a defensive mechanism triggered by stimuli like poisons, microbial toxins, cytotoxic drugs, and mechanical abdominal distension. The process is centrally coordinated by the vomiting (or emetic) center located in the medulla of the brainstem. This area, rich in muscarinic M1, histamine H1, neurokinin 1 (NK1), and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors, coordinates the act of vomiting through...
302
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
561
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
561
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
169
Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
169