Enterolithiasis

Abstract

Enterolithiasis or formation of gastrointestinal concretions is an uncommon medical condition that develops in the setting of intestinal stasis in the presence of the intestinal diverticula, surgical enteroanastomoses, blind pouches, afferent loops, incarcerated hernias, small intestinal tumors, intestinal kinking from intra-abdominal adhesions, and stenosing or stricturing Crohn’s disease and intestinal tuberculosis. Enterolithiasis is classified into primary and secondary types. Its prevalence ranges from 0.3% to 10% in selected populations. Proximal primary enteroliths are composed of choleic acid salts and distal enteroliths are calcified. Clinical presentation includes abdominal pains, distention, nausea, and vomiting of occasionally sudden but often fluctuating subacute nature which occurs as a result of the enterolith tumbling through the bowel lumen. Thorough history and physical exam coupled with radiologic imaging helps establish a diagnosis in a patient at risk. Complications include bowel obstruction, direct pressure injury to the intestinal mucosa, intestinal gangrene, intussusceptions, afferent loop syndrome, diverticulitis, iron deficiency anemia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and perforation. Mortality of primary enterolithiasis may reach 3% and secondary enterolithiasis 8%. Risk factors include poorly conditioned patients with significant obstruction and delay in diagnosis. Treatment relies on timely recognition of the disease and endoscopic or surgical intervention. With advents in new technology, improved outcome is expected for patients with enterolithiasis.

Keywords: Enterolithiasis; Gallstone ileus; Intestinal obstruction; Crohn’s disease; Meckel’s diverticulum; Diverticulosis; Intestinal tuberculosis

Core tip: We review classic descriptors and latest developments in the enterolithiasis. The article focuses on detailed description of medical epidemiology, classification, pathophysiology, etiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnoses, clinical diagnosis, management, complications, and prognosis of the enterolithiasis. We mention latest trends in endoscopic approach to patients with symptomatic disease. Our paper serves a first comprehensive review of the syndrome for a practicing gastroenterologist.