Gastric distension, cerebral palsy and unexpected death.

Two cases of unexpected death from massive gastric dilatation in individuals with severe spastic quadraparesis aged 14 and 20 years, respectively, are reported. Spontaneous rupture of the stomach occurred in one case. Predisposing factors to gastric dilatation associated with cerebral palsy include autonomic neuropathy, neuromuscular incoordination, air swallowing and malposition of the stomach. Death may be due to compromise of respiratory function caused by lung compression by the dilated stomach, or to peritonitis with sepsis. Acute gastric dilatation, with or without rupture, should be considered a potential cause of unexpected death in individuals with severe mental and physical disabilities.