Ogilvie Syndrome in Patients With Large Burns: Presentation of 2 Cases With Conservative Treatment

Abstract

Ogilvie syndrome is an acute colonic dilation of a previously healthy colon, without any organic obstruction. Pathological circumstances, such as burns, opiates, and antipsychotic medication, have been identified as predisposing elements. The incidence in the evolution of burn patients varies between 0.2% and 1%. The purpose of our study was to describe its development in 2 patients with large burns who were treated at our national burn center. Our patients had the following clinical characteristics: extensive abdominal bloating, constipation, hyperleukocytosis, confusion, and increased intra-abdominal pressure, which have the potential for development of multiorgan dysfunction. Abdominal tomographies showed massive colonic dilation without mechanical obstacles. Successful results were achieved after colonoscopic deflation. Thus, we have described conservative treatments (neostigmine, polyethylene glycol, rectal catheter), colonoscopies, and the indications for eventual surgery.