Clinical and CT findings of small bowel obstruction caused by rice cakes in comparison with bezoars

Non-traumatic adult acute abdomen with high-attenuation lesions or materials in the gastrointestinal tract on unenhanced computed tomography

“…Small-bowel obstruction caused by food bolus is rare and accounts for 0.3% to 4% of all cases. [ 6 ] The most common site of obstruction is the terminal ileum. This is a result of stasis of the intestinal contents in proximity to the ileocaecal valve, where the calibre is relatively small.…”

“…Rice cakes are a traditional food in Asia, especially Japan. CT is the most useful imaging modality for the diagnosis of retained rice cakes, clearly demonstrating the flat shape of the high-attenuation objects[ 6 7 ] [ Figure 6 ]. Furthermore, the CT number is useful for distinguishing rice cakes from other foods because its CT number (120–206 HU) is significantly higher than that of other foods.…”

“…[ 7 ] Most reported cases of small-bowel obstruction caused by rice cakes did not require surgery. [ 6 ]…”

Unhappy new year: mochi-induced small bowel obstruction

“…Mochi-induced SBO, as well as other culturally or geographically unique diseases, can become a worldwide problem in this age of globalisation. 4 The diagnosis is easy only if patients present with characteristic CT findings (ie, SBO by intraluminal high-attenuation mass) in the new year.…”