Pseudotumor of the omentum associated with migration of the ingested crab-leg

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Foreign body ingestion is common, but complications like perforation can be missed.
• Incomplete patient histories can lead to delayed diagnosis of foreign body complications.
• Unusual food items, like Kanjang-gaejang, pose unique diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a gastrocolic ligament mass, with imaging studies indicating a possible malignancy.
• The patient's history of consuming "Kanjang-gaejang" (raw marinated crab) was initially unknown.

Findings:

• Surgical exploration revealed a crab leg as the cause of an intra-abdominal abscess, leading to stomach antrum perforation.
• The patient required an antrectomy, vagotomy, and transverse colon wedge resection for treatment.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical need for thorough patient histories, including dietary practices, in emergency settings.
• It illustrates a rare cause of pseudotumorous lesions and intra-abdominal abscesses, emphasizing the diagnostic potential of foreign body migration.