Eating styrofoam balls presented as intestinal obstruction- PICA associated with bezoar: a rare case report and review of literature

Abstract

Gastrointestinal obstruction secondary to foreign body bezoars (industrial materials, plastic, tissue paper, sponge) have been reported but foreign body bezoar with styrofoam has never been reported in literature. PICA associated bezoars are an unusual complication and reports say that a wide variety of substances are consumed, ranging from socks, newspapers, and sofa pillows to dirt and hair and in this case, it was ingestion of styrofoam balls. Styrofoam being foam plastic does not breakdown or get absorbed in body when ingested, but its persistent ingestion creates bezoar which can fill the whole gastrointestinal tract.