Chronic Constipation and Its Complications: An Interesting Finding to an Otherwise Commonplace Problem

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Colorectal Surgery

Background:

• Fecalomas are defined as hard, dense masses of fecal material distinct from surrounding bowel contents.
• Pelvic masses in pediatric patients can have a broad differential diagnosis.
• Chronic constipation is a common pediatric complaint with various underlying causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of a calcified fecaloma in a pediatric patient.
• To review the literature on fecalomas presenting as pelvic masses.
• To discuss the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses in children.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 5-year-old male with chronic constipation and stool leakage.
• Abdominal X-ray was utilized to identify a calcified pelvic mass.
• Literature review on pediatric fecalomas and pelvic masses.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with several months of worsening constipation and stool leakage.
• Abdominal X-ray revealed a rare calcified pelvic mass.
• The imaging findings were consistent with a fecaloma.

Conclusions:

• Fecalomas should be included in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients presenting with chronic constipation.
• A calcified pelvic mass in a child with constipation may indicate a fecaloma.
• Prompt diagnosis and management of fecalomas are crucial in pediatric care.