Autonomic neuropathy
-
Is a rare syndrome that occurs alone or with other neurologic disorders.
It is usually associated with various cancers; it may occur before or after the diagnosis of cancer.
Patients present a subacute onst of intestinal dysmotility characterized by chronic nausea and anorexia secondary to gastroparesis with delayed gastric emptying, marked small and large intestinal dilatation and poor propulsive activity , and sometimes symptoms and signs consistent with intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
Other manifestations associated with neuropatic and autonomic disorders are cardiovascular alterations (postural hypotension, syncopal episodes, painless myocardial infarction, and fixed herat rate), pupillary abnormalities, sensory distubances, and neurogenic bladder.Reference: Ripamonti C and Rodriguez C. Topics in palliative care. Volume 1. New York. Oxford University Press. 1997. Pages 61-93
