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Bezoars in the stomach and small bowel--CT appearance
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Clinical Radiology
|April 21, 1999
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) can identify bezoars, which are masses of ingested material in the gastrointestinal tract. This imaging technique is crucial for diagnosing these often clinically unsuspected conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Bezoars are masses of indigestible material that can form in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Diagnosis of bezoars is often challenging and not suspected clinically.
- Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used for evaluating non-specific abdominal pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the computed tomography (CT) appearance of various bezoars.
- To highlight the imaging characteristics of unusual ingested materials causing bezoars.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing bezoar CT findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven patients diagnosed with bezoars via CT.
- Analysis of intraluminal mass characteristics and proximal bowel dilatation on CT.
- Correlation of CT findings with clinical presentation and bezoar composition.
Main Results:
- CT revealed bezoars in the stomach and small intestine in six women and one man (aged 14-81).
- Trichobezoars appeared as concentric, inhomogeneous masses with entrapped air.
- Intestinal bezoars (vegetable fibers, toilet paper, olive stone) showed mottled or well-defined appearances with proximal small bowel dilatation.
Conclusions:
- CT is essential for diagnosing bezoars, as clinical suspicion is often low.
- Recognizing specific CT features aids in identifying bezoars and their composition.
- CT findings of bezoars in patients with abdominal pain are critical for timely diagnosis.