Malabsorption syndromes.

Abstract

Malabsorption syndromes are divided according to the underlying cause: maldigestion; bacterial contamination; mucosal abnormalities. One of the main causes of maldigestion are surgical resections. Malabsorption from bacterial contamination is due to a lower effectiveness of one or more of the factors that normally inhibit the growth of pathogens. The most common malabsorption syndrome from mucosal abnormalities is celiac disease for which, with small bowel enteroclysis a specific radiographic pattern has been identified. The gold standard in the diagnosis of diseases associated to malabsorption is represented by mucosal biopsy and histology though some patterns are similar and create difficulties in the differential diagnosis. Among radiologic examinations, small bowel enteroclysis is highly predictive; hopefully, novel diagnostic methods will support radiology.