Diagnosis of megacystis-microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome with aplastic desmosis in adulthood: a case report

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Apr;20(4):353-5. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e3282efa514.

Abstract

Megacystis-microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMHIS or Berdon syndrome) is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by chronic intestinal obstruction. Although the disease is often diagnosed in female infants we describe a man with late diagnosis in adulthood. Our patient presented soon after birth with intestinal obstruction and developed short bowel syndrome after multiple intestinal resections. Of note, the connective tissue net within the muscle layers of the intestinal wall was absent ('aplastic desmosis'). This case illustrates the variable clinical features of MMHIS and aplastic desmosis, which might delay the correct diagnosis of a severe disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple* / diagnostic imaging
  • Abnormalities, Multiple* / surgery
  • Abnormalities, Multiple* / therapy
  • Adult
  • Colonic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology*
  • Colonic Diseases / surgery
  • Connective Tissue / abnormalities*
  • Enteral Nutrition
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
  • Male
  • Peristalsis*
  • Short Bowel Syndrome / etiology*
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography