Gastric and rectal phytobezoar from sunflower seed ingestion: A Case Report and review of the literature

Authors

Joseph O. Atarere, Department of Medicine Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 21218 United States Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, 21237 United States
Sakthi S. Gautham, Department of Medicine Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 21218 United States Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, 21237 United States
Jennifer A. Evans, Department of Medicine Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 21218 United States Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, 21237 United States
Haider A. Naqvi, Department of Medicine Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 21218 United States Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, 21237 United StatesFollow

Abstract

Seed bezoars are a subcategory of phytobezoars caused by undigested vegetable seeds or fruit pits. We report the case of a 48-year-old woman who was admitted due to severe constipation and rectal pain. Rectal examination was notable for numerous sunflower seeds at the anal verge. Initial CT imaging revealed fecal impaction with a rectal bezoar which was managed with manual evacuation. Repeat CT imaging was notable for a gastric bezoar which was successfully managed by dissolution therapy with Coca-Cola. Most seed bezoars can be managed conservatively and life-threatening complications are rare.

Keywords: gastric bezoar, rectal bezoar, phytobezoar, sunflower seed, case report

Recommended Citation

Atarere, Joseph O.; Gautham, Sakthi S.; Evans, Jennifer A.; and Naqvi, Haider A. (2024) "Gastric and rectal phytobezoar from sunflower seed ingestion: A Case Report and review of the literature," Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives: Vol. 14: Iss. 5, Article 20.
DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1392
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.gbmc.org/jchimp/vol14/iss5/20