Systemic Sclerosis Sine Scleroderma as a Rare Etiology of Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

Abstract

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a disruption of the enteric nervous system characterized by chronic intestinal dysmotility and dilation. It has many underlying causes. We present a 52-year-old woman with 53 kg unintentional weight loss, abdominal pain, and vomiting. She had dilated small bowel loops with air fluid levels and no transition point on CT. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed aperistalsis and undigested duodenal food. The secondary cause was found to be Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disorder (UCTD), a rheumatologic disorder that does not meet criteria for any single disease. This is the first reported case of UCTD being presented by CIPO.