True Primary Enterolith Treated by Balloon-assisted Enteroscopy

Intern Med. 2015;54(19):2439-42. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.5208. Epub 2015 Oct 1.

Abstract

Primary enterolith is a rare condition that can induce ileus and intestinal perforation. We report the first case of a true primary enterolith treated by balloon-assisted enteroscopy. The patient presented with a small intestinal ileus. After its improvement following the insertion of an ileus tube, radiography with amidotrizoate sodium meglumine detected a round, movable defect in the ileum measuring 42 mm diameter. The patient was diagnosed with a primary enterolith based on her past history. The enterolith was fractured and removed using balloon-assisted enteroscopy. This case suggests that balloon-assisted enteroscopy may be an effective non-invasive treatment option for enteroliths.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Calculi / complications*
  • Calculi / diagnostic imaging
  • Double-Balloon Enteroscopy*
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileus / diagnosis*
  • Ileus / surgery
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Perforation
  • Laparoscopy
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Outcome