Duodenitis-proximal jejunitis (DPJ), also called proximal enteritis or anterior enteritis, is an inflammatory disease of the proximal small intestine that causes ileus and large volumes of nasogastric reflux, with abdominal pain that gives way to depression and signs of toxemia. It occurs sporadically and is poorly understood. Its clinical importance is that it mimics surgical small intestinal obstruction, so the decision between medical and surgical management is the heart of the case.
Key facts
Duodenitis-proximal jejunitis at a glance- Species and system: horse; duodenum and proximal jejunum.
- Synonyms: proximal enteritis-jejunitis, anterior enteritis, duodenitis-jejunitis.
- Cause: unknown. Toxins of Clostridioides difficile may be involved (MSD); this is a hypothesis, and more than one agent could be responsible (Arroyo 2018).
- Classic presentation: abdominal pain that may be mild to severe, voluminous gastric reflux, distended small intestine on rectal examination, progression from pain to depression.
- Peritoneal fluid: protein often above 3 g/dL with a normal white cell count (MSD), though this does not reliably separate DPJ from other small intestinal disease.
- Complication to watch: laminitis, about 25% in the MSD description.
What's inside
11 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 5 tables, 3 self-test questions and 8 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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