DOI: 10.12890/2015_000258

An Unexpected Cause of Marked Weight Loss Associated with Vomiting in an Adult Man: Gastric Phytobeozar

Authors

  • Marco Vacante Department of Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Ospedale Cannizzaro, Catania
  • Innocenza Alessandria Department of Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Ospedale Cannizzaro, Catania
  • Emanuela Cataudella Department of Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Ospedale Cannizzaro, Catania
  • Rosangela Fichera Department of Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Ospedale Cannizzaro, Catania
  • Lorenzo Malatino Department of Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Ospedale Cannizzaro, Catania

marcovacante@yahoo.it

Keywords

bezoar, edentulism, vomiting, hyporexia, weight loss

Abstract

Objectives: We present the case of an edentulous 47-year-old farmer referred to our Department of Internal Medicine because of postprandial vomiting, hyporexia, asthenia and weight loss. He ate a mostly vegetarian diet.

Materials and methods: An oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed the presence of a phytobezoar at the level of the fundus and body of the stomach. Endoscopic fragmentation and removal of the phytobezoar were unsuccessful and the patient had to undergo open surgery.

Results: Recovery was uneventful and free of complications.

Conclusion: Phytobezoars should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of unexplained vomiting and weight loss.

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Published

2015-12-16

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2016)

How to Cite

1.
Vacante M, Alessandria I, Cataudella E, Fichera R, Malatino L. An Unexpected Cause of Marked Weight Loss Associated with Vomiting in an Adult Man: Gastric Phytobeozar. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2015 Dec. 16 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];3(1). Available from: https://www.ejcrim.com/index.php/EJCRIM/article/view/258