Fecaloma - A Common Problem, Uncommon Dimensions
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Updated: Oct 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Coproparasitoscopic Examination of Dog Stools for Control and Prevention of Zoonotic Parasite Diseases
Published on: December 15, 2023
Richa Nahar1, Denise Fernandes2, Michael Santos2
1Clinical Fellow, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Abstract:
Chronic constipation and fecal impaction are common in older individuals but can also be found in younger patients with cognitive and psychiatric illnesses. The diagnosis of fecal impaction and, the assessment of severity are best performed clinically. Here, we present a case of a 30-year-old autistic individual where limited history was obtainable and further imaging helped to urgently diagnose a 47 x 15.6 x 12 cm stool ball, causing significant mass effect of surrounding intra-abdominal structures. Fecal disimpaction and aggressive bowel regimen prevented the pathological effects of severe fecal retention.
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