Lithobezoar – an unusual cause of dyspepsia. (4th July 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tijjani, Bashir; Masoodi, Ibrahim; Wani, Hamidullah; Alqutub, Adel Nazmi; Marwa, M Khaldoun
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2011
• Publication Date: 2011-07-04
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr.01.2011.3686
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Bezoar is the accumulation of exogenous undigested materials in the gastrointestinal tract. Various names have been used to describe bezoars based on the accumulated material. Commonly seen types are phytobezoar (composed of vegetable matter and seeds of fruits), tricobezoar (hair) lactobezoar (milk cuds). Lithobezoar (composed of stones and rocks) is uncommon and only limited reports are available in the English literature. The authors report a case of gastrointestinal lithobezoar presenting with ulcer-like abdominal pain. Some of the stones were removed endoscopically and some got expelled out after the use of promotility drugs. Invariably, there are predisposing factors for such behaviour. This case emphasises a meticulous psychiatric evaluation in a given patient, in order to prevent recurrence of symptoms.