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Complications of bezoar in children: what is new?
Kam Lun Ellis Hon1, Jean Cheng, Chung Mo Chow
1Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong ; Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Insights
Bezoars, or masses in the gastrointestinal system, can present with nonspecific symptoms, particularly in children with developmental delays. Early diagnosis via endoscopy and surgical readiness are crucial for managing this condition and its potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Bezoars are indigestible masses accumulating in the gastrointestinal tract.
- They are often associated with pica, particularly in children with developmental delays.
- Clinical presentations are typically nonspecific, complicating early diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the clinical features and complications of pediatric bezoars.
- To review the existing literature on pediatric bezoar cases.
- To emphasize diagnostic and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Case report analysis of two pediatric patients with bezoars.
- Review of relevant medical literature on pediatric bezoars.
- Diagnostic procedures including plain abdominal radiography and esophagoduodenoscopy.
Main Results:
- One case involved a developmentally delayed child where radiography revealed gastric dilation, indicating obstruction.
- The second case, in a typically developing child, presented with persistent symptoms and weight loss, leading to diagnosis.
- Esophagoduodenoscopy confirmed bezoars, and surgical intervention was necessary for complications.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric bezoars require a high index of suspicion due to nonspecific symptoms.
- Esophagoduodenoscopy is the preferred diagnostic tool.
- Prompt diagnosis and availability of surgical facilities are essential for managing complications.
Abstract:
A bezoar is a mass found trapped in the gastrointestinal system. The condition may be associated with pica, especially in developmentally retarded children. Clinical manifestations are usually nonspecific. Endoscopic diagnosis and removal of the foreign materials is often indicated. Occasionally, severe complications may occur. We report two cases to illustrate the clinical features and complications in these children. In the first case, a reliable history was not obtained in the developmentally delayed girl which precluded prompt diagnosis, but the grossly dilated stomach on plain abdominal radiograph gave clues to an underlying insidious mechanical obstruction of upper gastrointestinal tract. In the second case of a normal child, the unrelenting symptoms and weight loss prompt further investigations which revealed the diagnosis. Literature on pediatric bezoar is reviewed. Oesophagoduodenoscopy is the investigation of choice for diagnostic confirmation, but surgical facilities must be available to deal with acute complications.
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