Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, is a chronic condition of the lower gastrointestinal tract (Figure 1) that affects as many as 15% of adults in the United States. Not easily characterized by structural abnormalities, infection, or metabolic disturbances, the underlying mechanisms of IBS have for many years remained unclear. Recent re...

POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) is characterised by a rare multisystem disorder of unknown pathogenesis. Although its pathophysiology is not well understood, overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines has been implicated. Gastrointestinal system disorders have not been reported among the components of the syndrome. A case i...

BACKGROUND A recent report indicated that numbers of Sutterella spp. are elevated in gastrointestinal biopsies taken from children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We have recently reported changes in the numbers of some bacteria within the stool of ASD children, and now examine whether numbers of Sutterella spp. and some other mucosa-associated bacteria linked with gastrointestinal disease...

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are lymphoid proliferations or lymphomas that are the second most common tumors in adult transplant recipients. Most cases of PTLD are attributed to Epstein-Barr virus, which induces B-cell proliferation and occurs in the setting of severe immunosuppression after solid organ or bone marrow transplantation. The disorder is seen in 1-3% o...

Factitious disorder is a rare psychiatric illness characterized by the willful and deceptive induction of illness for the purpose of assuming the sick role. It presents a substantial diagnostic challenge, as patients often go to great lengths to conceal their deception. Accordingly, its presence in the full spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases is likely underappreciated. While factitious gastr...

The most common and challenging gastrointestinal motility disorders in children include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal achalasia, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and constipation. GERD is the most common gastrointestinal motility disorder affecting children and is diagnosed clinically and treated primarily with acid secretion blockade. Esophageal achala...