Clinics in diagnostic imaging (198). Small bowel obstruction secondary to a bezoar.

Author: Yong Quan Alvin SOON ¹ ; Hsien Min LOW ¹ ; Cheong Wei Terence HUEY ² ; Gervais Khin-Lin WANSAICHEONG ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
2. Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: bezoar; floating fat-density sign; phytobezoar; small bowel faeces sign; small bowel obstruction
From:Singapore medical journal 2019;60(8):397-402
CountrySingapore
Language:English
Abstract: A 60-year-old man presented with abdominal pain. He was later diagnosed on imaging to have high-grade small bowel obstruction. The patient underwent surgery, and a hard, rounded bezoar resembling the endosperm of Nypa fruticans, colloquially known as attap chee, was found at the point of obstruction. Small bowel obstruction is a common acute surgical condition with multiple causes, including bezoars. We discuss the typical imaging features of bezoars causing small bowel obstruction as well as potential pitfalls that can mimic the appearance of a bezoar.