An unusual cause of the ileus: non-specific stenosing ulceration of the small intestine.

Non-specific ulcerations of the small intestine are very rare. The cause and pathogenesis of these lesions remain obscure. The diagnosis of primary ileal ulcer is commonly overlooked and infrequently is established intraoperatively. Here we described a case of a 73-year-old woman who was presented to the emergency surgical department with the five days history of vomiting, distension, constipation, and abdominal pain. On physical examination abdomen was mildly distended and diffusely painful on palpation. Bowel sounds were present and active. Plain abdominal x-ray film showed ileus of the small intestine. Multislice computed tomography showed stenosing process of the ileum. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy. Approximately 60 cm from the ileocecal valve ileum was inflamed and hypertrophic with a point of obstruction. Grossly, it appeared as a small intestine carcinoma. Involved segment of ileum including the point of obstruction was resected. Pathological examination showed ulceration of the ileum. After the surgery the patient made rapid recovery and was discharged from the hospital on the tenth postoperative day.