[Ogilvie syndrome in the elderly: retrospective study of 40 cases].

Objective: To assess, in a population of elderly patients, the circumstances clinical and progressive characteristics and form of management of an acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO).

Method: Retrospective study of the files of 40 patients aged 70 and more having presented an acute colonic pseudo-obstruction and hospitalised in the university hospital in Dijon from January 1995 to June 2000.

Results: The population was composed of 24 men (60%) and 16 women (40%) with a mean age of 80.