Bezoars in the stomach and small bowel - CT appearance

AIM: The aim of this study was to present the computed tomography (CT) appe arance of trichobezoars, phytobezoars and other unusual ingested material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients diagnosed on CT with bezoars in the s tomach or small intestine were reviewed with special attention on the chara cteristics of the intraluminal mass and the presence of proximal dilatation . RESULTS: There were six women and one man aged 14-81 years. CT was performe d because of abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass. In none of the c ases was the diagnosis suspected clinically. Four patients had a trichobezo ar occupying the entire lumen of the stomach. It appeared as a concentric i nhomogeneous mass with entrapped air, surrounded by contrast material. In t he other three patients the bezoar was confined to the small intestine and was composed respectively of vegetable fibres, ingested toilet paper and an olive stone. The first two had a mottled appearance whereas the last one w as small, spherical and well defined. Variable proximal dilatation of the s mall bowel was present in all three. CONCLUSION: With the increased use of CT in the evaluation of patients with non-specific abdominal pain, it is important to recognize the CT appearanc e of bezoars, as this diagnosis is often not suspected clinically.