Observations on Secondary Malabsorption Syndromes of Intestinal Origin

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Abstract
Malabsorption syndromes include all of the diseases of conditions associated with impaired absorption from the small intestine. They include primary and secondary intestinal syndromes and malabsorption of gastric, pancreatic, or hepatobiliary origin. Recent observations in secondary intestinal malabsorption syndromes associated with amyl-oidosis, scleroderma, radiation enteritis, and Whipple''s disease are discussed briefly. The main findings, and the malabsorptive defects of 8 patients with regional enteritis, 9 with lymphoma, 6 with jejunal diverticulosis, and 5 with a gastrojejunocolic fistula are described, and one case of each type is reported in detail. The variable incidence of a malabsorption syndrome associated with these conditions is discussed. Roentgenologic examination of the small intestine, peroral jejunal muco-sal biopsy, or abdominal exploration may be necessary to distinguish these diseases from nontropical sprue. Treatment consists of correcting deficiency states by diet and replacement of vitamins and minerals. Adrenocortical steroid, roentgen therapy, or surgical procedures may be indicated in some diseases producing secondary malabsorption syndromes.