Multi-level small bowel obstruction due to type 3 idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) in a young male patient

Abstract

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), also called abdominal cocoon, was initially described by Foo et al for the first in 1978 as a rare condition that can cause bowel obstruction.1-3 The condition occurs mainly in women and and has a several clinical mimics secondary to specific pathologies.. It is typically characterised by a thick fibrocollagenous membrane encasing the small bowel, but has been documented to involve other organs.1-3 We present an unusual case of a middle-aged male patient presenting with sub-acute small bowel obstruction secondary to SEP and discuss the condition and the theories of its aetiopathogenesis