Gastric Bezoar Causing Massive Gastric Distention and Functional Outlet Obstruction in a Patient With Bulimia Nervosa

Abstract

Gastric bezoar is an uncommon cause of gastric outlet obstruction, as well as a rare complication of bulimia nervosa (BN). The authors report a case of a young female with a history of BN presenting with acute gastric outlet obstruction. Radiologic imaging revealed a markedly dilated stomach and a retained gastric bezoar was identified during endoscopy. She was treated conservatively with nasogastric intubation and fluid resuscitation, followed by the consumption of Coca-Cola^® to promote fragmentation of the bezoar. The patient’s symptoms improved and she was transferred to a skilled eating disorder facility for further treatment of her underlying condition.




J Med Cases. 2016;7(7):312-314
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc2560w