[Bezoars - diagnostic problems based on own observations and literature review].

INTRODUCTION

Bezoars are concretions of human or vegetable fibers that accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Patients may remain asymptomatic for many years, and symptoms develop as bezoars increase in size to the point of obstruction or perforation. THE AIM OF THE STUDY WAS TO PRESENT: 3 cases of bezoars treated in our centre and review of the current knowledge about this disorder, emphasizing the diagnostic difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians should consider bezoars as a differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. As bezoars may remain asymptomatic for many years, monitoring of pathogenetic and predisposing factors is essential, in particular in compulsive disorders.