A Magnesium Oxide Bezoar

Intern Med. 2018 Nov 1;57(21):3087-3091. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1124-18. Epub 2018 Jun 6.

Abstract

A 75-year-old Japanese woman presented with nausea and appetite loss. Computed tomography showed a radiopaque substance in the stomach. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed bezoars in the stomach, which were endoscopically retrieved. The bezoars were mainly composed of magnesium and oxide. Although bezoar formation associated with magnesium oxide consumption is infrequently encountered, the present case indicates that pharmacobezoar should be considered among the differential diagnoses in patients who demonstrate a radiopaque mass in the digestive tract and have a history of magnesium oxide use.

Keywords: bezoar; esophagogastroduodenoscopy; laxative; magnesium oxide.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bezoars / chemically induced*
  • Bezoars / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endoscopy, Digestive System
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnesium Oxide / adverse effects*
  • Nausea / diagnosis
  • Stomach*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Magnesium Oxide