This patient most likely has Ogilvie syndrome, also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO). In this disorder, the patient presents with symptoms and radiographic results consistent with acute large bowel obstruction, but there is no apparent obstruction present in the distal colon. Although the pathology of this syndrome is not clearly understood, it is believed to be related to an imbalance in the autonomic innervations of the bowel. This syndrome usually occurs after recent serious medical illness or surgery, most commonly trauma, infection and cardiac disease. If not treated promptly and appropriately, bowel perforation and serious sequelae can occur.