[Acute pseudo-occlusion of the colon (author's transl)]

The authors describe 9 cases of acute dilatation of the colon in which no obstruction was detected. This syndrome, described by Ogilvie is relatively rare but needs to be recognized by the radiologist because of the therapeutic consequences involved. Radiological examination is, in fact, essential in order to exclude any mechanical obstruction. Furthermore, the degree of caecal distention is the deciding factor for surgical intervention, to avoid perforation and peritonitis. Pseudo-occlusions of the colon may occur after very different pathological conditions, and though their physiopathology is still obscure, they are certainly related to disorders of the autonomic nervous system supply to the colon.