INTESTINE Vol.13 No.5(8)

Theme The newest approach to the small intestinal diseases
Title Malabsorption syndrome
Publish Date 2009/09
Author Fukunori Kinjo Department of Endoscopy, University Hospital, University of the Ryukyus
Author Nagisa Kinjo Department of Endoscopy, University Hospital, University of the Ryukyus
Author Manabu Nakamoto Department of Endoscopy, University Hospital, University of the Ryukyus
Author Kazuto Kishimoto Department of Endoscopy, University Hospital, University of the Ryukyus
Author Hiroshi Chinen Department of Endoscopy, University Hospital, University of the Ryukyus
Author Yasushi Ihama Department of Endoscopy, University Hospital, University of the Ryukyus
Author Testuo Hirata First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, University of the Ryukyus
Author Akira Hokama First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, University of the Ryukyus
Author Jiro Fujita First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, University of the Ryukyus
[ Summary ] Whipple's disease, strongyloidiasis and celiac sprue are very rare diseases characterized as forms of malabsorption syndrome in Japan. Diagnoses of these diseases are usually made from clinical manifestations, serological examinations, endoscopic observations and biopsies of the small intestine. Because these are very rare diseases, the result may be delayed diagnoses resulting in poor prognoses. Recently developed advances in commonly used single or double-balloon endoscopy as well as capsule endoscopy should make it possible to diagnose malabsorption syndrome. This should help provide more clear, exact information on the prevalence of the above described diseases in Japan.
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