Meat bezoar due to inadequate mastication leading partial bowel obstruction: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal bezoars may occur in individuals with a normal gastrointestinal tract structure or as a result of gastrointestinal defects and disease. This rare condition initially presents with general abdominal pain, mimicking appendicitis in later stages. Recognizing this condition as a differential diagnosis in patients with abdominal pain can prevent delays in diagnosis and serious complications. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a rare case of a meat bezoar in a 52-year-old man presenting with acute and generalized abdominal pain at an emergency department. DISCUSSION: We discuss gastrointestinal bezoars as a rare differential diagnosis of abdominal pain and acute abdomen in people with no pre-existing medical history, and the challenges that might be faced during diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal bezoars are rare which makes the diagnosis challenging. Obtaining a complete history and a full examination with appropriate imaging could help the diagnosis.