Colonic spasm and pseudo-obstruction in an elongated colon secondary to physical exertion: Diagnosis by stress barium enema

Anatomic and functional abnormalities of the colon are known to cause a variety of abdominal complaints, including constipation, diarrhea, and pain. We describe a patient with dolichocolon (elongated colon) with transient spasm (pseudo-obstruction) associated with exertion. The diagnosis in this case rested with a novel approach and less invasive evaluation of the colon. (C) 1999 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology.