Malabsorption overview

Malabsorption
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Overview
Classification Infection Structural defect Digestive failure Systemic disease Iatrogenic
Differentiating Malabsorption from other Diseases

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Malabsorption is a state arising from an abnormality in digestion or absorption of food nutrients across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Impairment can be of single or multiple nutrients depending on the abnormality. This may lead to malnutrition and variety of anemias.

Diagnosis

Abdominal X Ray

Barium follow through is useful in delineating small intestinal anatomy. Barium enema may be undertaken to see colonic or ileal lesions.

CT

CT abdomen is useful in ruling out structural abnormalities, and it is done as part of the pancreatic protocol when visualizing the pancreas.