True enteroliths linked to non-specific multiple ulcers of the small intestine: report of a case

Abstract

This report presents a case of true enteroliths linked to non-specific multiple ulcers of the small intestine (CNSU). A 53-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and vomiting, and was admitted to our hospital under a diagnosis of ileus. He had anemia and hypoalbuminemia. Abdominal computed tomography showed that several radio-opaque bodies were present in the dilated small intestine. Double-balloon enteroscopy revealed an eccentric stricture accompanying a linear open ulcer. Well defined oblique and branching ulcers were continuous with the stricture. At laparotomy, we observed 18 stenoses of the small intestine from 190 cm to 110 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. The stenotic and dilated segments were 1.7 ± 0.4 and 5.4 ± 3.0 (mean ± SD) cm in width, respectively. He underwent a resection of the affected small intestine. The macroscopic observation revealed various types of multiple shallow ulcers that were linear or had a tall, triangular configuration, and their alignment was circular or oblique. The ulcers had fused, thus showing a geographic configuration. The microscopic findings showed the maximum depth of the ulcers to be the submucosal layer. The enteroliths were mainly composed of calcium oxalate. As a result, the patient was diagnosed as having true enteroliths linked to CNSU. True enteroliths are a rare complication of CNSU.

Cola Dissolution Therapy via Ileus Tube Was Effective for Ileus Secondary to Small Bowel Obstruction Induced by an Enterolith

“…In our case, we did not detect a biliary-enteric fistula. Morioka previously reported the case of a true enterolith containing bilirubin calcium in the absence of a biliary-enteric fistula (23). Based on the present and previous findings, we concluded that the patient's intestinal stone was an enterolith.…”