Enterolithiasis-associated ileus in Crohn's disease

Abstract

Stasis of the flow of the intestinal contents, ingested material and unfavorable composition of the chylus can lead to the formation of enteroliths inside the bowel. Enterolithiasis represents a rare disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that can be associated with intermittent abdominal pain or more serious complications such as bleeding or obstruction. Enterolithiasis in Crohn's disease represents an extremely rare condition and usually occurs only in patients with a long symptomatic history of Crohn's disease. We report an unusual case of enterolithiasis-related intestinal obstruction in a young male patient with Crohn's disease (A2L3B1 Montreal Classification for Crohn's disease 2005) undergoing emergency laparotomy and ileocoecal resection. In addition, we present an overview of the relevant characteristics of enterolithiasis on the basis of the corresponding literature.

Intestinal stones: A rare cause of bowel obstruction

“…An estimated 30 cases of enterolithiasis in association with CD have been reported. 11 Even though few cases of enterolithiasis-related SBO with stricturing CD have been described, 12 it is accepted that CD is a contributing factor in the development of intestinal stones. 1 In regards to UC, only one case series makes reference to UC as an underlying risk factor.…”

Bile Salt Enterolith: An Unusual Etiology Mimicking Gallstone Ileus

“…When stagnation of diverticular contents is present, the rare complication of enterolith formation and obstruction may occur [2, 6, 7]. Risk factors for enterolith development include Crohn's disease, hernias, bowel diverticula, surgical anastomoses and afferent loops, small intestinal tumors, and intestinal infections including tuberculosis [2, 8–16].…”

Afferent loop obstruction with obstructive jaundice and ileus due to an enterolith after distal gastrectomy: A case report

“…If this is not possible, enterotomy removal is considered as the standard procedure [ 17 ]. Bowel resection and anastomosis are usually conducted when severe inflammation, perforation, necrotic bowel diverticulosis, or long segment or multiple strictures causing enterolithiasis are present [ 18 , 19 ]. In this case, we first selected conservative treatment, because the patient’s condition was stable, his upper abdominal pain immediately disappeared just after admission, and fever and obstructive jaundice disappeared gradually by conservative treatment.…”