Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
A Case of Segmental Absence of Intestinal Musculature Associated With a Gastric Diverticulum in an Adult
Yuki Kubo1, Naoko Nambu1, Tsukasa Yoshikawa1
1Department of Pathology, Yao Tokushukai General Hospital, Yao, JPN.
Abstract:
A man in his late 50s underwent an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan as part of a whole-body trauma assessment after a bicycle accident. Incidentally, a mass was detected between the left adrenal gland and the posterior wall of the gastric fundus. Given the differential diagnosis of either an adrenal tumor or a gastric diverticulum, laparoscopic resection was planned. Intraoperatively, the mass was identified as a gastric diverticulum, and a partial gastrectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed no abnormalities in the mucosa or the muscularis mucosae. However, the muscularis propria was markedly thinned and partially absent. There was no evidence of necrosis or inflammation. These findings are consistent with the segmental absence of intestinal musculature (SAIM) of the stomach. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SAIM of the stomach associated with a gastric diverticulum in an adult.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Adult Stem Cells
Gastric Emptying
Gastric Motility
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...
Gastric Phase of Digestion
When food enters the stomach, it stretches the stomach walls and activates stretch receptors. This triggers local reflexes of the enteric nervous system, mediated through the myenteric plexus. These...
Small Intestine
The small intestine is divided into three main sections - the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum, approximately 25 cm long, is nearest the stomach. It acts as a 'mixing bowl,' where chyme (partially digested food) blends with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum's unique...

