The "brown bowel syndrome": a case report

Am J Gastroenterol. 1982 Nov;77(11):854-5.

Abstract

Brownish discoloration of the muscular layers of the small intestine has been described in association with deficiency of fat soluble vitamin E occurring in various disorders with malabsorption. A patient presenting with diarrhea ultimately found to have "brown bowel syndrome" is reported with serum levels of vitamin E before and during treatment. A brief review of the nature and significance of ceroid pigmentation of the intestine is included; however, the pathophysiology of the brown bowel syndrome remains to be fully elucidated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intestinal Diseases / complications
  • Intestinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Intestine, Small*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Smooth
  • Syndrome
  • Vitamin E Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin E Deficiency / diagnosis