Acute esophageal obstruction after ingestion of psyllium seed husk powder: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Bezoar is a mass of hardened external material found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It may form anywhere in the GI tract, but esophageal bezoar is rare because of the short esophageal transit time. Psyllium seed husk is an indigestible natural derivative that is widely used as an herbal laxative. Herein, we report a case of acute esophageal obstruction caused by a bezoar after ingestion of psyllium seed husk powder. CASE SUMMARY A 76-year-old male with Parkinson's disease visited the emergency department with swallowing difficulty approximately 10 h after ingesting psyllium seed husk powder. Symptoms began a few hours after ingestion and progressed to severe dysphagia. There were no abnormal findings on simple radiography. However, a computed tomography scan revealed an approximately 2.0 cm × 2.5 cm mass located near the gastro-esophageal junction. After grinding, the mass was removed using an endoscopic capture net. Esophageal bezoars may cause life-threatening complications. Patients with Parkinson's disease may have esophageal motility dysfunction, which may increase esophageal transit time. Since our patient had Parkinson's disease, this effect may have contributed to the formation of the bezoar. CONCLUSION Attention should be paid to using bulk-laxatives, and an appropriate specified regimen will be needed when marketed as a dietary supplement.