Bezoars, solid mass of indigestible material that accumulates
Channel: HPRV By Dr Chor Ath
Date: 2017-12-14

Dr Chor Ath Bezoars can develop from a myriad of nonedible materials, including high-fiber vegetables, hair, and certain pharmaceuticals.
    They are more common in patients with poor gastric motility, i.e., patients with diabetes.
    They can cause vague abdominal symptoms and can result in gastric outlet obstruction and associated symptoms if severe enough. Bezoars also have a high association with gastric ulcers.
    They are rarely suspected by referring clinicians except in psychiatric patients. Upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) is the first step in diagnosis if suspected. Filling defects with prolonged retention of a portion of barium within the bezoar after the majority has entered the intestine is a typical appearance on UGI.
    Appearance on CT is a mass-like filling defect with various characteristics depending on composition. Trichobezoars often have a lamellated appearance.
    The gold standard for imaging is direct visualization with endoscopy.
    Endoscopy can also be therapeutic. Other treatment options include chemical dissolution for certain bezoar compositions and surgical removal.