Enterolith: Difference between revisions
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==In humans== |
==In humans== |
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In [[human]]s, enteroliths are rare and may be difficult to distinguish from [[gall stone]]s. Rarely can a nidus be found. A [[differential diagnosis]] of an enterolith requires the enterolith, a normal gallbladder, and a diverticulum.<ref>PMID 1449155</ref><ref>PMID 8230370</ref> |
In [[human]]s, enteroliths are rare and may be difficult to distinguish from [[gall stone]]s. Rarely can a nidus be found. A [[differential diagnosis]] of an enterolith requires the enterolith, a normal gallbladder, and a diverticulum.<ref>PMID 1449155</ref><ref>PMID 8230370</ref> Improper use of [[magnesium oxide]] as a ''long-term'' [[laxative]] has been reported to cause [[enterolith]]s resulting in [[bowel obstruction]].<ref>{{cite journal |
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| author = Tatekawa Y, Nakatani K, Ishii H, ''et al'' |
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| title = Small bowel obstruction caused by a medication bezoar: report of a case |
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| journal = Surgery today |
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| volume = 26 |
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| issue = 1 |
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| pages = 68–70 |
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| year = 1996 |
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| pmid = 8680127 |
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| doi = |
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}}</ref> |
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An enterolith typically forms within a [[diverticulum]]. An enterolith formed in a [[Meckel's diverticulum]] sometimes is known as a Meckel's enterolith. |
An enterolith typically forms within a [[diverticulum]]. An enterolith formed in a [[Meckel's diverticulum]] sometimes is known as a Meckel's enterolith. |
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Most enteroliths are inapparent and cause no complications. However, any complications that occur are likely to be severe. Of these, [[bowel obstruction]] is relatively common,<ref>PMID 14972313</ref> followed by [[ileus]]<ref name="Steenvoorde+2003">PMID 12637808</ref> and [[perforation]]. Bowel obstruction |
Most enteroliths are inapparent and cause no complications. However, any complications that occur are likely to be severe. Of these, [[bowel obstruction]] is relatively common,<ref>PMID 14972313</ref> followed by [[ileus]]<ref name="Steenvoorde+2003">PMID 12637808</ref> and [[perforation]]. Bowel obstruction and ileus typically occur when a large enterolith is expelled from a diverticulum into the lumen. Perforation typically occurs within the diverticulum. |
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===Treatment=== |
===Treatment=== |
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An enterolith is a mineral concretion or [[Calculus (medicine}|calculus]] formed anywhere in the gastrointestinal system. Enteroliths are uncommon and usually incidental findings.[1] If found, they require at a minimum watchful waiting.
An enterolith may form around a nidus, a small foreign object such as a seed, pebble, or piece of twine, that serves as an irritant. In this respect, an enterolith forms by a process similar to the creation of a pearl.
In horses
Enteroliths in horses were reported widely in the 19th Century, infrequently in the early 20th Century, and now increasingly. The principal minerals are nitrogen, magnesium, and phosphorus, and the enterolith always has a nidus.[2]
Enteroliths commonly are found post mortem or, increasingly, during surgery for colic or bowel obstruction. The incidence of asymptomatic enteroliths is unknown. Enteroliths are associated with elevated pH and mineral concentrations in the lumen.[3] In California, enteroliths are associated with a high proportion of alfalfa in the feed and less access to grass pasture. This association has been attributed to the cultivation of alfalfa on serpentine soils, resulting in high concentrations of magnesium in the alfalfa.[citation needed]
In humans
In humans, enteroliths are rare and may be difficult to distinguish from gall stones. Rarely can a nidus be found. A differential diagnosis of an enterolith requires the enterolith, a normal gallbladder, and a diverticulum.[4][5] Improper use of magnesium oxide as a long-term laxative has been reported to cause enteroliths resulting in bowel obstruction.[6]
An enterolith typically forms within a diverticulum. An enterolith formed in a Meckel's diverticulum sometimes is known as a Meckel's enterolith.
Most enteroliths are inapparent and cause no complications. However, any complications that occur are likely to be severe. Of these, bowel obstruction is relatively common,[7] followed by ileus[8] and perforation. Bowel obstruction and ileus typically occur when a large enterolith is expelled from a diverticulum into the lumen. Perforation typically occurs within the diverticulum.
Treatment
In simple cases of obstruction, where there are no complications, a variety of non-surgical techniques are used to remove the enterolith.[8] These include laparascopic crushing and milking, enterotomy via an uninvolved segment, and resection of the involved segment.
In livestock
See also
External links
References
- ^ PMID
- ^ PMID 3552440
- ^ PMID 15188822
- ^ PMID 1449155
- ^ PMID 8230370
- ^ Tatekawa Y, Nakatani K, Ishii H; et al. (1996). "Small bowel obstruction caused by a medication bezoar: report of a case". Surgery today. 26 (1): 68–70. PMID 8680127.
{{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|author=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ PMID 14972313
- ^ a b PMID 12637808