1975 Volume 6 Issue 4 Pages 215-220
The term "cast syndrome" was introduced by Dorph in 1950. In this condition gastric dilatation is observed with nausea and repeated vomiting after the application of a hip spica or body cast. The pathogenesis of the cast syndrome appears to be a mechanical compression of the fourth portion of the duodenum by the superior mesenteric arterial trunk. Failure to recognize the condition or a delay in treatment result in progressive gastric dialatation, vomiting, hypokalemia, hypovolemia, alkalosis, and death. One should be aware of the cast syndrome as a complication after a body cast is applied. The case reported here has many characteristic features of those reported previously ; in addition, it demonstrates that this condition occurs, even if old age.
