Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025

Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
Trichobezoar: A Rare Cause of Protein-losing Enteropathy
Anam Bashir1, Andrea Gosalvez Tejada1, Keith T Oldham2
1From the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
Abstract:
Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is caused by protein loss through the gastrointestinal tract which results in hypoalbuminemia. The most common causes of PLE in children include cow milk protein allergy, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hypertrophic gastritis, intestinal lymphangiectasia, and right-sided heart dysfunction. We present a case of a 12-year-old male with bilateral lower extremity edema, hypoalbuminemia, elevated stool alpha-1-antitrypsin, and microcytic anemia. He was found to have a trichobezoar in the stomach extending to the jejunum, an unusual cause of PLE. The patient underwent an open laparotomy and gastrostomy to remove the bezoar. Follow-up confirmed resolution of hypoalbuminemia.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Protein Metabolism
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Protein Absorption
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Diversity of Protists I
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...

