Gastroptosis is the abnormal downward dislocation (ptosis) of the
stomach
The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ in the upper gastrointestinal tract of Human, humans and many other animals, including several invertebrates. The Ancient Greek name for the stomach is ''gaster'' which is used as ''gastric'' in medical t ...
in which its greater curve is displaced below the
iliac crest
The crest of the ilium (or iliac crest) is the superior border of the wing of ilium and the superolateral margin of the greater pelvis.
Structure
The iliac crest stretches posteriorly from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the posterio ...
. It is not a life-threatening condition.
The condition frequently causes digestive symptoms,
epigastric pain, constipation, decreased appetite, and sometimes even
gastric emptying disorders. It is much more prominent in women than men, and is diagnosed with x-ray using
barium contrast.
Gastroptosis is mainly caused by the relaxation of surrounding ligaments and
mesenteries
In human anatomy, the mesentery is an organ that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall, consisting of a double fold of the peritoneum. It helps (among other functions) in storing fat and allowing blood vessels, lymphatics, a ...
as a result of the weight of the stomach.
See also
*
Visceroptosis
References
External links
Stomach disorders
{{Digestive-stub