Gastric Outlet Obstruction and Iron Deficiency Anemia Secondary to Gastric Bezoar: A Case Report

Division

North Florida

Hospital

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

3-7-2023

Keywords

gastric outlet obstruction, gastric bezoar, iron deficiency anemia (ida), trichophagia, trichotillomania

Disciplines

Digestive System Diseases | Mental Disorders

Abstract

Trichobezoars are an accumulation of undigested hair in the gastrointestinal system. They are a rare finding and are more likely in young females. Diagnosis is largely dependent on history taking and imaging, and treatment involves the removal and psychiatric evaluation. We describe the case of a 21-year-old female with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who presented with abdominal pain. Imaging showed a distended stomach with a suspected swallowed foreign substance. The patient subsequently underwent midline laparotomy, gastrotomy, and bezoar extraction. Postoperatively the patient was found to have trichotillomania, trichophagia, anxiety, depression, and symptomatic anemia. Initial management of gastric bezoars includes proper removal, but the additional follow-up needs to include psychiatric evaluation and treatment to prevent reoccurrence. It is also imperative to assess and treat underlying nutritional deficiencies.

Publisher or Conference

Cureus

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS