Ultrasound assessment of gastrointestinal luminal contents: a narrative review.

Gastro-intestinal ultrasound (GIUS) is a non-invasive and cost-effective tool, widely used as a first-line diagnostic method in patients presenting with abdominal complaints, especially in patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In this setting, gastro-intestinal ultrasound has been especially used to evaluate the bowel wall features (thickening, stratification, vascularization) and complications related to IBD (fistulas, abscesses). Nevertheless, gastro-intestinal ultrasound can be also used to detect and evaluate the content of several segments of the gut. In fact, there is a growing interest in utilizing GIUS for suspected functional disorders, where assessing intestinal content may play a significant diagnostic role, as well as directing therapy. In our review, we provided a sonographic description of GIUS appearances of bowel content in various pathological and physiological conditions, offering potential applications in clinical practice and providing insights for further research.

Peanut phytobezoar: an unusual cause for small bowel obstruction.

Bezoars are indigestible masses of material forming within the gastrointestinal system. Phytobezoars are the most common subtype consisting of plant matter such as fibre, skins, and seeds. Rarely they present causing small bowel obstruction (SBO) and may be difficult to distinguish from faecalization on imaging. Here we present the case of a man in his 70s who rapidly consumed an expiring bag of peanuts and subsequently developed a SBO due to formation of a peanut phytobezoar. After failing conservative management, he required emergency surgery with intentional enterotomy to milk out the bezoar. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential and thorough history taking in patients presenting with SBO.

Avoid the Peel: Citrus Fruit Bezoar Causing Intestinal Perforation.

We report a highly unusual case of small bowel obstruction in an 86-year-old man from ingestion of a citrus fruit, known as kumquats, which led to intestinal perforation and peritonitis. He initially presented with a one-day history of diffuse abdominal pain associated with nausea and feculent emesis after eating whole pieces of unpeeled kumquats. When symptoms of peritonitis evolved with a blood lactate of 5.1 mg/dL, he was urgently taken to the operating room for exploration. Multiple areas with fibrous exudates and full-thickness ulceration were encountered along the distal jejunum and proximal ileum, with a partially obstructing intraluminal mass in the distal ileum. Treatment involved resection of 70 cm of non-viable bowel, removal of the intraluminal mass, and surgical re-establishment of intestinal continuity. Unpeeled kumquats were confirmed to have caused these intestinal findings. The patient did well following the operation and has had no further problems referred to by this management.

Swallowed secrets - Plastic bezoar-induced gastric outlet obstruction in a 14-year-old girl: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a rare but serious condition that can arise from various etiologies, including foreign body ingestion. We present a unique case of GOO in a 14-year-old girl resulting from the accumulation of plastic materials, known as a plastic bezoar, due to pica behavior. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old girl with a history of pica presented with symptoms suggestive of acute gastric obstruction. Imaging studies revealed the presence of a large foreign body extending from the stomach to the jejunum, consistent with a plastic bezoar. Despite attempts at endoscopic removal, surgical intervention was ultimately required due to the size and location of the bezoar. DISCUSSION: This case underscores the challenges associated with diagnosing and managing gastric outlet obstruction secondary to plastic bezoar formation, particularly in pediatric patients with underlying pica behavior. The diagnostic workup involved a multidisciplinary approach, including imaging studies and endoscopic evaluation. Surgical intervention, although invasive, proved necessary for definitive treatment in this case. Postoperative care focused on monitoring for complications and addressing the underlying pica behavior through psychological intervention and support. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of early recognition, thorough diagnostic evaluation, and prompt intervention to prevent complications and ensure favorable outcomes. Collaborative efforts between medical and surgical teams are essential for the comprehensive management of such cases, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to address both the physical and psychological aspects of care.

Gastric bezoars secondary to mixed infection with Sarcina ventriculi and G + bacilli: a case report.

Sarcina ventriculi is a bacterium with a specific histological morphology and infection can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and occasionally fatal complications. Delayed gastric emptying is regarded as the most significant risk factor for infection. Its pathogenicity is currently unknown and treatment options are inconsistent. Here we report a case of gastric bezoars secondary to a mixed infection of Sarcina ventriculi and G + bacilli, which is diagnosed by a pathological biopsy.

Unusual causes of Small bowel obstruction: a review of the literature and revisited cross-sectional imaging checklist.

Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Patients presenting with features of small bowel obstruction need urgent evaluation to avoid complications such as bowel gangrene, perforation, or peritonitis. Imaging is necessary in most cases of suspected bowel obstruction, to take an appropriate decision, for apt patient management. Among the common causes of small bowel obstruction, adhesions, external herniae, malignancies, and Crohn's disease top the chart. Imaging helps in determining the presence of obstruction, the severity of obstruction, transition point, cause of obstruction, and associated complications such as strangulation, bowel gangrene, and peritonitis. This review is based on the cases with unusual causes of bowel obstruction encountered during our routine practice and also on the extensive literature search through the standard textbooks and electronic databases. Through this review we want our readers to have sound knowledge of the imaging characteristics of the uncommon yet important causes of bowel obstruction. We have also revisited and structured a checklist to simplify the approach while reporting a suspected case of small bowel obstruction. Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction and in determining the cause and associated complications. Apart from the common causes of small bowel obstruction, we should also be aware of the uncommon causes of small bowel obstruction and their imaging characteristics to make an accurate diagnosis and for apt patient management.

Bezoar in Meckel's diverticulum: Case report and narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Bezoars are a known cause of complications in Meckel's diverticulum. We present a case in which a bezoar in a Meckel's diverticulum resulted in intestinal obstruction. In addition, we conducted a narrative review to explore the association between Meckel's diverticulum and bezoars. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 22-year-old patient admitted for bowel obstruction persisting for three days and periumbilical tenderness. Abdominal CT tomography revealed a hyper dense circular structure with a diameter of 2 cm, small bowel distension of 41 mm, and free fluid. During surgical exploration, a Meckel diverticulum was found between the antimesenteric border of the small bowel and posterior wall of the umbilicus. The Meckel diverticulum was resected, and upon examination, it was found to contain a calcified phytobezoar. The postoperative course was uneventful. DISCUSSION: The clinical and paraclinical presentation of bezoars in Meckel's diverticulum is nonspecific and diagnosis remains challenging despite improved diagnostic modalities. The association between Meckel's diverticulum and bezoars is often identified during surgery, as it is difficult to diagnose using CT scans. The choice between laparoscopic and open surgery depends on the patient's situation. CONCLUSION: Diagnosing a bezoar in a Meckel's diverticulum remains challenging. Treatment involves surgery, and the choice of surgical approach depends on the context.

A plastic bezoar causing bowel obstruction: A case of table cover ingestion.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A bezoar is an indigestible food or other material within the gastrointestinal tract. It can be ingested intentionally or accidentally. The small bowel bezoar prevalence ranges between 0.4 % and 4 %, and the prevalence is less than 0.5 % for gastric bezoars. There are different types of bezoars, but the mention of a plastic bezoar rarely appears in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a plastic bezoar in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old woman was admitted for acute kidney injury, and while working her up, it was discovered that she had a possible foreign body on computerized tomography scan. As a result, she underwent exploratory laparotomy with the findings of plastic foreign objects identified 90 cm from the ileocecal valve and other objects identified in the stomach. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The impaction of these materials often occurs in narrow areas such as the lower esophagus, duodenum, ileocecal valve or even the anus. In this unique case, two points of impaction were noted: the first was in the small bowel and the second point in the stomach. The approach to such cases could be Endoscopic versus surgical or even chemical dissolution as a choice of treatment is dependent on multiple factors. CONCLUSION: The approach to these cases is multidisciplinary and depends on the availability of services and resources at the treating hospital. Reporting such cases helps in managing challenging situations. Additionally, a psychiatric assessment is a crucial step.

Mechanical upper bowel obstruction caused by a large trichobezoar in a young woman: A very unusual case report.

BACKGROUND: Bezoars usually compile human fibers and debris. A special form of bezoar in case of psychologically altered individuals is the trichobezoar. It consists of voluntarily swallowed hair bulks and is normally removed via gastroscopy. Trichobezoars leading to ileus have rarely been reported. CASE SUMMARY: A 24-year-old female patient presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for 3 d. Her previous medical and psychiatric history was unremarkable. Laboratory analysis showed iron deficiency anemia, leukocytosis, and elevated liver enzymes. An abdominal CT scan revealed a dense structure in the patients' stomach which turned out to be a huge trichobezoar completely obstructing the pylorus. The trichobezoar had to be removed surgically. During her postoperative course, a subcutaneous seroma formed. After a single puncture, the rest of the recovery process was unremarkable, and the patient recovered fully. CONCLUSION: A mechanical bowel obstruction is a potentially life-threatening event for every patient. In our case a young female was suffering from severe symptoms of an obstruction which might have resulted in serious harm without successful surgical management.

Small bowel obstruction due to a meat bolus bezoar: the second case report in literature.

Introduction: Small bowel obstruction is a difficult emergency condition that may be caused due to many factors. However, bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction accounts for only 0.4-4.8% of all intestinal impaction patients. Bezoars are an entity of undigested materials classified into four types: phytobezoar, trichobezoar, pharmacobezoar, lactobezoar. Meat bolus bezoar is not named under any of these classifications. Case presentation: A 75-year-old man presented with abdominal distention, vomiting, and constipation. On radiological imaging, a mass in the terminal ileum was detected. After 2 days of ineffective conservative therapy, the authors decided to perform an open surgery. Enterotomy approach was chosen after failing to milk the object into the colons. The foreign body impacting the bowels was identified as a meat bolus bezoar. The patient improved after the surgery. The authors recorded no recurrence or complications with our patient after 18 months of follow-up. Discussion: Patients with small bowel obstruction usually present with acute abdominal pain and distension despite the blockage cause. Computed tomography is the most effective diagnostic tool in such cases. In bezoar-induced intestinal blockage, surgical management is mandatory if conservative therapy fails. Conclusion: It is important to consider bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction as a potential cause of impaction in cases of acute abdominal pain accompanied with risk factors of bezoar formation, despite the bezoar type.

"Bezoar Egg"-A Rare Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction.

Small bowel obstruction is a frequent medical condition with various causes, the most common being postoperative adhesions, volvulus, intussusception, hernias, and tumors. A bezoar-induced blockage of the small intestine is a rare condition that accounts for approximately 4% of all small bowel obstruction cases. Herein, we present the case report of a 71-year-old patient with diffuse abdominal pain caused by a small bowel obstruction due to a calcified bezoar (bezoar egg) resulting from a post-radiation intestinal stricture. The patient underwent a small bowel excision with the extraction of the bezoar, after which a full recovery was made.

Trichobezoar Found Accidently while Diagnosing Resistance to Thyroid Hormone.

Introduction: Bezoars are masses of indigestible foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract, usually in the stomach. These materials could be indigestible fruits, hair, milk products, or tablets. In children, the most common type of bezoar is trichobezoar (formed from hair). Case Presentation: We describe a female patient who has been complaining about deterioration of mood, collapse without losing consciousness, scotomas, and cardiac arrhythmia for 2 years. Based on the results of thyroid hormone, resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) was suspected. Physical examination during hospitalization revealed a palpable upper abdominal mass. Several diagnostic examinations were performed. The abdominal ultrasound showed acoustic shadowing caused by a pathological structure in the upper abdomen. Therefore, the contrast X-ray of the digestive tract revealed a deficit of contrast with an irregular shape in the stomach body and the pylorus region. Due to these results, a gastroscopy was performed, which revealed a large trichobezoar of the stomach. The trichobezoar was surgically removed without complications. Conclusion: The case presented shows that these nonspecific symptoms and laboratory test suggesting RTH require multi-path diagnostics and the cooperation of many specialists, ultimately giving a surprising diagnosis. It is crucial to interpret diagnostic examinations with regard to the patient's physical condition. Diagnosis of trichobezoar requires a detailed search of causes to avoid another incident.

Obstrucción de sonda nasogástrica por molde de nutrición enteral / Nasogastric tube obstruction due to enteral feeding bezoar

Introducción: la administración de nutrición enteral por sonda nasogástrica puede presentar complicaciones potencialmente graves. Presentamos un caso de obstrucción esofágica por un bezoar de nutrición enteral. Caso clínico: el paciente de 77 años ingresó en nuestro centro en la unidad de cuidados intensivos por neumonía COVID. El paciente recibía nutrición enteral por sonda nasogástrica (SNG) presentando al mes del seguimiento dificultad para el paso de la misma. Tras retirada de la sonda y unida a ella se extrajo un molde esofágico de nutrición enteral. Posteriormente se administra a través de una nueva SNG una solución disolvente y se modifica la fórmula por una hidrolizada. Discusión: los bezoar de nutrición enteral son una complicación rara pero potencialmente mortal. (AU)

Introduction: the administration of enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube can cause potentially serious complications. We present a case of esophageal obstruction due to an enteral nutrition bezoar. Case report: the 77-year-old patient was admitted to our center in the intensive care unit for COVID pneumonia. The patient received enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube (NGT), presenting difficulty passing it after a month of follow-up. After removal of the tube and attached to it, an esophageal mold for enteral nutrition was extracted. Later, a solvent solution is administered through a new SNG and the formula is modified for a hydrolyzed one. Discussion: enteral nutrition bezoars are a rare but can be a life-threatening complication (AU)

Endoscopic Removal of a Recurrent Trichobezoar in an Adolescent: A Case Report.

Trichobezoar, a rare condition of intragastric hair accumulation is commonly associated with an underlying psychological condition. Removal of the bezoar either endoscopically or surgically (laparoscopy or laparotomy) with concurrent psychiatric assessment and treatment is the mode of treatment. We present a 10-year-old child with recurrent trichobezoar, who was managed surgically the first time, and subsequently endoscopic removal was done on recurrence of bezoar after 3 months. We also present the difficulties encountered during endoscopic bezoar removal.

[Nasogastric tube obstruction due to enteral feeding bezoar]. / Obstrucción de sonda nasogástrica por molde de nutrición enteral.

Introduction: Introduction: the administration of enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube can cause potentially serious complications. We present a case of esophageal obstruction due to an enteral nutrition bezoar. Case report: the 77-year-old patient was admitted to our center in the intensive care unit for COVID pneumonia. The patient received enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube (NGT), presenting difficulty passing it after a month of follow-up. After removal of the tube and attached to it, an esophageal mold for enteral nutrition was extracted. Later, a solvent solution is administered through a new SNG and the formula is modified for a hydrolyzed one. Discussion: enteral nutrition bezoars are a rare but can be a life-threatening complication.

Introducción: Introducción: la administración de nutrición enteral por sonda nasogástrica puede presentar complicaciones potencialmente graves. Presentamos un caso de obstrucción esofágica por un bezoar de nutrición enteral. Caso clínico: el paciente de 77 años ingresó en nuestro centro en la unidad de cuidados intensivos por neumonía COVID. El paciente recibía nutrición enteral por sonda nasogástrica (SNG) presentando al mes del seguimiento dificultad para el paso de la misma. Tras retirada de la sonda y unida a ella se extrajo un molde esofágico de nutrición enteral. Posteriormente se administra a través de una nueva SNG una solución disolvente y se modifica la fórmula por una hidrolizada. Discusión: los bezoar de nutrición enteral son una complicación rara pero potencialmente mortal.

Small bowel obstruction caused by a mango phytobezoar within a Meckel's diverticulum.

A fit and well gentleman in his 40s presented with vomiting and obstipation. His only relevant history being recent ingestion of a large quantity of mangoes. A computer tomography demonstrated a small bowel obstruction with a transition point in the right iliac fossa, but no other pathological findings. After a short period of non-operative management he proceeded to surgery, where a phytobezoar was identified at a Meckel's diverticulum causing a pantaloon shaped intra-luminal obstruction. A small bowel resection and primary anastomosis was performed and the patient had an uncomplicated post-operative course. Meckel's diverticuli are a relatively common phenomenon and may pre-dispose to bowel obstructions through a number of different mechanisms. This unusual case highlights the importance of considering this as a differential, and one that will likely require timely operative intervention.

When the Gut Tells a Story: Bezoars in a Neglected Autistic Child.

This case study delves into the unique presentation of bezoars in a 14-year-old autistic female who exhibited chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. While trichobezoars, masses formed from ingested hair, are rare, they are predominantly seen in young females and are associated with psychiatric conditions. Through rigorous diagnostic procedures, including a computed tomography imaging of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) scan, fecal impaction, and multiple bezoars, including hair and non-biological items, were identified. The background revealed significant neglect, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach that integrates medical, surgical, and psychosocial care.

Bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction: a rare cause of a common problem.

Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO) is one of the most common diagnoses that general surgeons encounter. Adhesive disease, hernia, and neoplasm are the most common causes. A more rare cause is bezoar. A 66-year-old female with a history of prior abdominal surgery presented with clinical concern for SBO. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated SBO with a transition point in the left lower abdomen. The patient failed nonoperative management and was taken to the operating room for exploration. On exploration, a segment of hemorrhagic jejunum was found with an intraluminal bezoar. SBO secondary to bezoar can be managed endoscopically or operatively depending on location and size of the stone. Operative intervention can vary between laparoscopic milking of the bezoar distally, enterotomy with stone extraction, or bowel resection and anastomosis. This case illustrates the importance of maintaining a broad differential for common surgical disease processes.

Small Bowel Obstruction by a Phytobezoar in a Patient With Previous Antrectomy and Billroth II Reconstruction.

A phytobezoar is a conglomerate of improperly digested fruit and vegetable debris, and its development is associated, amongst other factors, with previous gastric surgery. Most phytobezoars remain asymptomatic and are incidentally found during imaging or interventional procedures. However, in some patients, they can cause small bowel obstruction, which can subsequently lead to severe complications. Although the clinical findings are similar to other causes of intestinal obstruction, there are some particular diagnostic and treatment features more specific to phytobezoars. We present a case of an 85-year-old man with a history of previous antrectomy and Billroth II reconstruction who came to the emergency department with bilateral aspiration pneumonia and intestinal obstruction due to a bezoar. The CT scan showed bilateral inferior lobe pulmonary consolidation, as well as a marked dilation of the small bowel with gas-fluid levels and a transition to normal caliber in the terminal ileum, where an oval mottled-appearing mass suggesting a bezoar was present. An urgent laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis, and an enterotomy with removal of the bezoar was performed. Phytobezoars must be considered as a cause of intestinal obstruction, particularly when patients have a history of previous gastric surgery. Its radiological findings, particularly in CT scans, are specific and should be appreciated to establish the diagnosis promptly. The treatment of small bowel obstruction due to a phytobezoar requires surgery most of the time, and the surgeon must bear in mind the need to look for the existence of other bezoars in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent reoccurrence.

Oclusión intestinal en paciente renal crónico secundario a bezoar de telas Reporte de un caso clínico / Intestinal Occlusion in a Chronic Renal Patient Secondary to Textile Bezoar. Clinical Case Report

Resumen Los "bezoar" son conglomerados de materiales no comestibles ingeridos voluntaria o involuntariamente, no digeridos e incapaces de transitar por el tracto intestinal. Principalmente afectan a jóvenes mujeres o adolescentes que presentan el fenómeno llamado "pica", y a pesar de que se ha registrado una alta prevalencia de este fenómeno en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), ha sido poco estudiado. Caso clínico: Paciente del sexo masculino de 35 años de edad que cursa con ERC KDIGO-5 en tratamiento con diálisis peritoneal; se obtiene el hallazgo de "bezoar plástico" transoperatorio (laparotomia por oclusión intestinal) a 10 cm de la válvula ileocecal. El paciente fallece por complicaciones de la patología de origen. Se plantea la necesidad de realizar la búsqueda de comportamientos en pacientes con ERC, que indiquen al cirujano la sospecha, dado que los pacientes generalmente ocultan u omiten referir sobre la ingesta de material extraño.

Abstract The "bezoar" are conglomerates of inedible materials ingested voluntarily or involuntarily, which are not digested and are unable to pass through the intestinal tract. They mainly affect young women or adolescents who present the phenomenon called "pica", despite the fact that a high prevalence of this phenomenon of "pica" has been registered in patients with chronic kidney disease, it has been little studied. Clinical case: A 35-year-old male with CKD KDIGO-5 undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment, which was found to have a transoperative "plastic bezoar" (laparotomy for intestinal occlusion) 10 cm from the ileocecal valve. The patient died due to complications of his pathology. Discussion: the clinical case raises the need to search for behaviors such as pica in patients with CKD, as well as to develop the suspicion to the surgeon, since patients generally hide or ignore reporting foreign material phagia.