Abdominal Cocoon or Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: A Rare Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction

Abstract

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), also known as abdominal cocoon syndrome (AC) or sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), is an uncommon condition typically presenting with features of bowel obstruction. We present the case of a 41-year-old male patient who presented to the accident and emergency department with a 7-day history of abdominal pain. Contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis was ordered and was suggestive of small bowel obstruction involving most of the small bowel with no apparent transition point. Laparotomy showed a tough whitish fibrous membrane encasing the entire length of the small bowel. Advances in CT have made diagnosis possible before a decision on surgical intervention is made.

Keywords

• encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis
• sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis
• bowel obstruction
• intestinal obstruction
• abdominal cocoon syndrome