DISTENSION OF THE DIGESTIVE-TRACT - AN AL TITUDE DISEASE

A rare manifestation of digestive tract distension involving all the c avities was observed in a patient who had journeyed at high altitude. There was no organic obstruction suggesting that the increase in organ volume was related to decreased atmospheric pressure according to Mai otte's law. Distension may have been favoured by the diminished abdomi nal muscle tone, resulting in a lack of adaptation. Dilatation was pre dominant in the large organs, particularly the stomach and the colon.