SEVERE BLIND LOOP SYNDROME

Blind loop syndrome is the most common syndrome of bacterial overgrowt h of the small bowel. The case of a female with severe blind loop synd rome revealed by major nutritional deficiencies without diarrhea is-re ported The most common presentation is diarrhea with steatorrhea; many patients also have exudative enteropathy The symptoms are due to bact erial overgrowth. Diagnosis rests on aspirate analysis and breath test s. A therapeutic trial with antimicrobials is often proposed, but its results are difficult to interpret. Treatment rests on surgical revisi on; patients with contraindications to surgery Should be given prolong ed antimicrobial therapy, which should be repeated if the symptoms rec ur.