Enterolith

Enterolith
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction
Complications	Bowel obstruction, perforation
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Formation of mineral concretions in the gastrointestinal tract
Risks	Crohn's disease, Diverticulosis, Meckel's diverticulum
Diagnosis	Imaging studies, Endoscopy
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgical removal, endoscopic retrieval
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Enteroliths are mineral concretions or stones that form within the gastrointestinal tract. These stones can lead to various complications, including bowel obstruction and perforation, if not diagnosed and treated appropriately.

Pathophysiology

Enteroliths form when mineral salts precipitate and accumulate around a nidus, which can be a foreign body, undigested food, or a mass of bacteria. The most common sites for enterolith formation are within diverticula, such as those found in Meckel's diverticulum or diverticulosis.

Causes

Several conditions can predispose individuals to the formation of enteroliths:

• Crohn's disease: Chronic inflammation and narrowing of the intestines can lead to stasis and stone formation.
• Diverticulosis: The presence of diverticula in the colon can serve as sites for enterolith formation.
• Meckel's diverticulum: This congenital anomaly can harbor enteroliths due to its blind-ending nature.

Symptoms

The clinical presentation of enteroliths can vary depending on their size and location. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Signs of bowel obstruction, such as constipation and abdominal distension

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of enteroliths typically involves imaging studies such as X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound. These imaging modalities can reveal the presence of calcified masses within the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy may also be used to directly visualize and potentially retrieve the enterolith.

Treatment

The treatment of enteroliths depends on their size, location, and the presence of complications. Options include:

• Surgical removal: Indicated for large enteroliths causing obstruction or when endoscopic retrieval is not feasible.
• Endoscopic retrieval: Suitable for smaller stones accessible via endoscopy.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for patients with enteroliths is generally good. However, untreated enteroliths can lead to serious complications such as bowel perforation.

Also see

• Gallstone ileus
• Fecalith
• Intestinal obstruction
• Diverticulitis