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Fatal stercoral ulcer perforation: case report
J L deJong1, S D Cohle, F Busse
1Michigan State University/Grand Rapids Area Medical Education Center, USA.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Stercoral ulcers, caused by prolonged constipation, can perforate, leading to fatal peritonitis. This case highlights a stercoral ulcer perforation missed before autopsy in an elderly male patient.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Stercoral ulcers are a rare complication of severe, prolonged constipation.
- Perforation of a stercoral ulcer is an infrequent but life-threatening event.
Observation:
- A case report of a 78-year-old male patient with severe constipation.
- The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of complications from constipation.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed a stercoral ulcer perforation as the cause of death.
- The perforation was not diagnosed during the patient's clinical evaluation prior to death.
Implications:
- Undiagnosed stercoral ulcer perforation carries a high mortality rate.
- Emphasizes the need for clinical vigilance in patients with severe constipation.
- Highlights the importance of considering rare gastrointestinal complications in elderly patients.