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Acute Gastric Dilatation: A Retrospective Case Series from a Single Institution

L. Bathobakae, Rammy Bashir, Sophia Venero, Tyler Wilkinson, Ruhin Yuridullah, Y. Cavanagh, W. Baddoura

Case Reports in Gastroenterology, 2024

5 citations

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Acute gastric dilatation (AGD) is a massive distension of the stomach caused by the accumulation of gas, gastric secretions, or food material. AGD is a radiological diagnosis with no clear etiopathogenesis and is often misdiagnosed owing to a lack of clear diagnostic criteria and physician awareness. Case Presentation In this case series, we describe the clinical presentations and outcomes of 4 patients with AGD. Three (75%) of the patients were female, and one (25%) was male. The patients’ ages ranged from 53 to 84 years, with an average age of 73.5 years. Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting were the most frequently reported complaints. Two (50%) patients had cancer, one (25%) had an acquired duodenal stenosis, and the fourth patient experienced an ileus. Conclusion AGD is a surgical emergency with a 50–100% mortality rate; thus, prompt diagnosis and management are crucial. Herein, we describe a case series of AGDs that were diagnosed and managed at our institution. We aim to raise awareness about this fatal yet underrecognized clinical entity.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.

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