Phytobezoar: an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction
2005

Phytobezoar: An Unusual Cause of Intestinal Obstruction

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Teng HC, Nawawi O, Ng KL, Yik YI

Primary Institution: Department of Biomedical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia

Conclusion

The study presents a case of small bowel obstruction caused by a phytobezoar, highlighting the diagnostic value of CT imaging.

Supporting Evidence

  • Phytobezoars are rare and account for only 0.4 to 4% of all intestinal obstructions.
  • The patient had a history of eating a large amount of Chinese mushrooms prior to her symptoms.
  • CT scans showed a characteristic mottled gas pattern in the intraluminal mass, aiding in diagnosis.

Takeaway

Sometimes, people can get a blockage in their intestines from eating certain foods, like mushrooms, which can form a hard lump called a phytobezoar.

Methodology

The case involved a detailed clinical examination, barium studies, and CT scans to diagnose the obstruction caused by a phytobezoar.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

An 81-year-old Chinese woman.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.2349/biij.1.1.e4

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