Pyloric stenosis

Alternative names:

congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; gastric outlet obstruction; hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Symptoms:

• vomiting (usually mild at first becoming progressively more forceful within one half hour of feeding)
  • projectile vomiting

• infant appears constantly hungry
• diarrhea (loose green stools)
• wave-like motion of the abdomen shortly after feeding and just before vomiting occurs
• dehydration (becoming more profound with the severity of the vomiting)
• failure to gain weight or weight loss

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• abdominal fullness prematurely after meals
• belching
• apparent abdominal pain

Signs and tests:

Physical examination may show signs of dehydration. The infant may have a distended abdomen. Palpation of the abdomen reveals an olive-shaped mass (the pylorus).

• A chemistry panel often reveals electrolyte imbalances.
• A barium X-ray reveals a distended stomach and narrowed pylorus.
• An ultrasound of abdomen may also be performed.

This disease may also alter the results of a chloride; urine test.