Translational and clinical perspectives on sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Kondal Rao Kyanam KabirBaig,1,2 Charles Melbern Wilcox1 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama, 2Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA Abstract: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is a complex pathophysiologic entity that is associated with significant morbidity causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The purpose of this review is to describe the anatomy and physiology of the sphincter of Oddi, to understand the pathologic mechanisms thought to be responsible for symptomatology, review recent major studies, explore endoscopic and pharmacologic therapies and their efficacy, and to explore future research avenues. Keywords: SOD, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, sphincter dysfunction, abnormal liver tests, biliary dilation