Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in infants and children caused by diverse abnormalities of the myenteric plexus

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Postoperative Ileus Murine Model
04:26

Postoperative Ileus Murine Model

Published on: July 12, 2024

S Krishnamurthy1, Y Heng, M D Schuffler

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.

Gastroenterology
|May 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in children is linked to myenteric plexus abnormalities. Smith's silver stain is crucial for diagnosing these neuronal deficits, unlike H&E staining alone.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Neurogastroenterology
  • Histopathology

Background:

  • Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a severe pediatric motility disorder.
  • CIPO significantly impacts infant and child quality of life.
  • The role of the myenteric plexus in pediatric CIPO requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively analyze the myenteric plexus in infants and children diagnosed with CIPO.
  • To compare the diagnostic efficacy of Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining versus Smith's silver technique in identifying myenteric plexus abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of myenteric plexus from stomach, small intestine, and colon in 26 pediatric CIPO patients.
  • Quantitative assessment using H&E stained cross-sections.
  • Quantitative assessment using Smith's silver technique on frozen tangential sections.

Main Results:

  • Significantly decreased neuron scores observed in jejunum and ileum with H&E staining (P = 0.005).
  • Markedly reduced argyrophilic neuron counts in all gastrointestinal segments using Smith's technique (P < 0.0003).
  • Smith's technique identified myenteric plexus abnormalities in all patients, including cases missed by H&E alone.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric CIPO can stem from various myenteric plexus abnormalities.
  • Smith's silver technique is superior to H&E for detecting neuronal deficits in pediatric CIPO.
  • Accurate diagnosis of CIPO requires comprehensive histological analysis of the myenteric plexus.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction07:33

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction

Published on: March 5, 2018

Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development07:54

Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development

Published on: April 29, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Nerve Supply of the GI Tract01:27

Nerve Supply of the GI Tract

The neuronal supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for regulating various functions, including digestion, absorption, and movement of food. This intricate network of nerves is known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the "second brain" of the body.
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of the GI tract...
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...