Gastrojejunal Enteral Tube Serving as a Small Bowel Bezoar Nidus

Cureus. 2021 May 27;13(5):e15266. doi: 10.7759/cureus.15266.

Abstract

Gastrojejunal (GJ) tube placement is indicated in the management of gastric feeding-related intolerance. Though uncommon, GJ complications may occur. We present the case of a five-year-old male with congenital heart disease in which image-guided replacement of a GJ tube was unable to be completed due to a mass adhered to the tip of the tube. The subsequent endoscopic evaluation identified the mass as a hair-based bezoar and the tube was successfully removed. The child was subsequently diagnosed with trichotillomania, trichophagia, and pica. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing bezoar formation as a potential complication of GJ enteric tubes, particularly in children with trichophagia and pica.

Keywords: bezoar; gastroenterology and endoscopy; gastrojejunal enteral tube; interventional radiology; pica; trichobezoar; trichophagia; trichotillomania.

Publication types

  • Case Reports