Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Aloe vera Bezoars: A Case Report

• Published in: The Korean journal of gastroenterology Vol. 69; no. 5; pp. 312 - 315
• Main Authors: Hong, In Taik, Cha, Jae Myung, Ki, Hye Jin, Kwak, Min Seob, Yoon, Jin Young, Shin, Hyun Phil, Jeoun, Jung Won, Choi, Sung Il
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Jin Publishing & Printing Co 25.05.2017; 대한소화기학회
• Subjects: Abdomen - diagnostic imaging; Aged; Aloe - adverse effects; Aloe - chemistry; Aloe vera; Bezoar; Bezoars; Humans; Intestinal obstruction; Intestinal Obstruction - diagnosis; Intestinal Obstruction - etiology; Intestine, Small - diagnostic imaging; Intestine, Small - surgery; Male; Small intestine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; 내과학; Bezoar; Intestinal obstruction; Aloe vera; Small intestine
• ISSN: 1598-9992; 2233-6869
• DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2017.69.5.312

Small bowel obstruction is a clinical condition commonly caused by postoperative adhesion, volvulus, intussusceptions, and hernia. Small bowel obstruction due to bezoars is clinically uncommon, accounting for approximately 2-4% of all obstructions. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful method in diagnosing the cause of small bowel obstruction. However, small bowel obstruction caused by bezoars may not be detected by an abdominal CT examination. Herein, we report a rare case of small bowel obstruction by Aloe vera bezoars, which were undetected by an abdominal CT. Phytobezoars should be included in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction in patients with predisposing factors, such as excessive consumption of high-fiber food and diabetes.