Phlegmonous enteritis: an unusual cause of abdominal pain.

Phlegmonous enteritis is a rare infective inflammatory condition of the gut which is difficult to diagnose and which is often fatal. Although first described more than 150 years ago, very few cases have subsequently appeared in the literature. In this case the diagnosis of atypical small intestinal pathology was suggested by unusual CT findings. Coupled with the clinical picture, this prompted laparotomy which in turn confirmed the diagnosis of phlegmonous enteritis. A literature review discusses the epidemiology, predisposing conditions, postulated aetiologies and treatment.