There are a range of mechanisms that can contribute to gut dysmotility, one of which is a disorder of the smooth muscle in the bowel wall.
Classification of intestinal myopathy:
(1) hereditary/primary visceral myopathy:
(2) acquired myopathy
Acquired causes of myopathic intestinal dysmotility:
(1) autoimmune disease (scleroderma, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, SLE, other)
(2) infiltrative disorders (amyloidosis, lymphoma)
(3) endocrine disorders (diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism)
(4) chronic electrolyte deficiencies (hypokalaemia, hypomagnesemia)
(5) drugs (muscle blockers, botulinum toxin, mitochondrial)
(6) alcohol abuse
(7) paraneoplastic
(8) radiation
Some of the acquired causes are reversible while others are progressive.
