From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Visceroptosis (or
enteroptosis) is a prolapse or a sinking of the abdominal viscera (internal organs) below their natural
position. Any or all of the organs may be displaced downward. When
the intestines are involved, the condition is known as
enteroptosis; when the stomach is found below its normal position,
the term gastroptosis is used. The disease exists
in all degrees of severity and may give rise to no symptoms
whatsoever. Generally, however, there is loss of appetite, heartburn, nervous dyspepsia, constipation, or diarrhea, abdominal
distention, headache, vertigo, emaciation, and loss of
sleep. Any or all of these
symptoms may be present. The condition is brought about by loss of
muscular tone, particularly of the abdominal muscles, intestinal autointoxication, with relaxation of the ligaments which hold the
viscera in place. In women, tight lacing has been held to be a frequent
cause. The symptoms may be alleviated by supporting the organs with
a properly applied bandage, or other similar device. Rest in bed,
attention to diet, hygiene,
exercise, and general muscular upbuilding will cure the majority of
cases. In others operation may become necessary. Visceroptosis is a
known risk factor for the development of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome.
Dr. Frantz Glénard (1848-1920)
Visceroptosis is also called
splanchnoptosis, abdominal ptosis, and
Glénard's disease, after a French physician
Frantz Glénard (1848-1920).
- Glénard's test — The examiner, standing behind the patient,
places his arms around the patient, so that his hands meet in front
of the patient's abdomen; he squeezes and raises the viscera and
then allows them to fall suddenly. If the patient feels relieved by
the raising pressure and experiences distress on the release, the
condition is probably one of splanchoptosis.[1] Also
called girdle test.
- Glénard's theory — The theory that abdominal ptosis is a nutritional
disease with atrophy and
prolapse of the intestine.
- Stiller's theory — The theory that gastroptosis is due to universal asthenia characterized by
weakness and laxity of the viscera.
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Dorland's
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