Meat bezoar due to inadequate mastication leading partial bowel obstruction: A case report

• Published in: International journal of surgery case reports Vol. 110; p. 108775
• Main Authors: Tahouri, Tahmineh, Rahimi-Movaghar, Ehsanollah, Safaei Qomi, Mohammad Reza, Mehrabi, Sarvenaz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Abdominal pain; Bezoars; Case Report; Intestinal obstruction; Abdominal pain; Intestinal obstruction; Case report; Bezoars
• ISSN: 2210-2612; 2210-2612
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108775

Gastrointestinal bezoars may occur in individuals with a normal gastrointestinal tract structure or as a result of gastrointestinal defects and disease. This rare condition initially presents with general abdominal pain, mimicking appendicitis in later stages. Recognizing this condition as a differential diagnosis in patients with abdominal pain can prevent delays in diagnosis and serious complications. We report a rare case of a meat bezoar in a 52-year-old man presenting with acute and generalized abdominal pain at an emergency department. We discuss gastrointestinal bezoars as a rare differential diagnosis of abdominal pain and acute abdomen in people with no pre-existing medical history, and the challenges that might be faced during diagnosis and treatment. Gastrointestinal bezoars are rare which makes the diagnosis challenging. Obtaining a complete history and a full examination with appropriate imaging could help the diagnosis. •Bezoars are rare and usually show no symptoms that make them underdiagnosed in cases with abdominal pain.•Bezoars can be symptomatic and cause serious complications with delay in diagnosis.•Symptomatic bezoars may be misdiagnosed with appendicitis.•Obtaining an accurate history of patients with abdominal pain is one of the most important parts of diagnosis for bezoars.•Imaging will help diagnose bezoars in patients with general symptoms.