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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Coproparasitoscopic Examination of Dog Stools for Control and Prevention of Zoonotic Parasite Diseases

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Fecaloma - A Common Problem, Uncommon Dimensions.

Richa Nahar¹, Denise Fernandes², Michael Santos²

¹Clinical Fellow, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013)

|November 30, 2021

Summary

Severe fecal impaction can affect younger adults, including those with autism. Prompt diagnosis via clinical assessment and imaging, followed by disimpaction, is crucial for managing this condition.

Keywords:

comorbidities in patients with intellectual disabilities fecal impaction fecaloma

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Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Clinical Medicine
Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background:

Chronic constipation and fecal impaction are prevalent in elderly populations.
These conditions can also affect younger individuals, particularly those with cognitive or psychiatric disorders.

Observation:

A case study involving a 30-year-old autistic individual with severe fecal impaction was presented.
Limited patient history necessitated the use of imaging for diagnosis.
Imaging revealed an exceptionally large stool ball (47 x 15.6 x 12 cm) causing significant intra-abdominal mass effect.

Findings:

Clinical diagnosis is paramount for fecal impaction assessment.
Imaging aids in diagnosing severe cases, especially when patient history is limited.
The identified stool ball exerted considerable pressure on surrounding organs.

Implications:

Urgent fecal disimpaction and a robust bowel regimen are vital.
Effective management prevents severe pathological consequences of fecal retention.
This case highlights the importance of considering severe fecal impaction in younger patients with communication challenges.