Familial idiopathic megaduodenum.

Familial idiopathic megaduodenum is an uncommon condition which may be associated with other visceral abnormalities. Antineuronal antibody directed against guinea-pig skeletal muscle was found in one member of the family suffering from megaduodenum, in whom degeneration of the Auerbach's and Meissner's plexuses was documented. The significance of this finding is unclear. Management of the complaint is problematic. Despite shortcomings of surgical treatment, surgery nevertheless has an important role to play when medical treatments fail.