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Secretory diarrhea in mixed connective tissue disease
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 1, 1985
Summary
This study identifies a new cause of intractable diarrhea in patients with connective tissue disease. Dilated small bowel segments can actively secrete water and electrolytes, leading to secretory diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic connective tissue diseases can manifest with gastrointestinal complications.
- Intractable diarrhea is a challenging symptom with diverse etiologies.
Observation:
- A patient with mixed connective tissue disease presented with two years of intractable diarrhea.
- Imaging revealed dilatation of the proximal small bowel.
- Stool analysis confirmed secretory diarrhea.
Findings:
- Intestinal perfusion studies demonstrated active water and electrolyte secretion in the jejunum.
- Evidence suggested active anion secretion (chloride and bicarbonate) against an electrical gradient.
- Normal ileal absorption ruled out generalized malabsorption.
Implications:
- Small bowel secretory hypersecretion in dilated segments may be an underrecognized cause of diarrhea in systemic connective tissue disease.
- This finding expands the understanding of gastrointestinal manifestations in these systemic conditions.