Nontraumatic perforation of the small intestine caused by true primary enteroliths associated with radiation enteritis: a case report

Background True primary enterolithiasis is an uncommon condition, and nontraumatic perforation of the small intestine (NTPSI) is also an unusual entity. Therefore, NTPSI due to true primary enteroliths is an exceptionally rare complication. Moreover, enterolithiasis and radiation enteritis are also unique combinations. Herein, we present an exceedingly rare case of NTPSI induced by multiple true primary enteroliths associated with radiation enteritis. Case presentation A 92-year-old woman with acute abdominal pain was transferred to our hospital because a computed tomography (CT) scan performed by her family doctor revealed free air and fluid collection within her abdomen. Our initial diagnosis was upper gastrointestinal perforation, and we selected nonoperative management (NOM) with adnominal drainage. Although her general condition was stable, jejunal juice was drained continuously. Given that the CT performed 10 days after onset demonstrated perforation of the small intestine and adjacent concretion, we performed an emergency partial resection of the small intestine and jejunostomy. The resected bowel was 1 m in length and had many strictures that contained multiple enteroliths in their proximal lumens. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. The enteroliths were composed of deoxycholic acid (DCA). She was diagnosed with peritonitis due to NTPSI derived from multiple true primary enteroliths associated with radiation enteritis, as she had previously undergone hysterectomy and subsequent internal radiation therapy. Conclusions Clinicians should consider the rare entity of true primary enteroliths associated with radiation enteritis in NTPSI cases with unknown etiologies.

Nontraumatic Perforation of the Metacarpal by the Stem of a Flexible Silicone Implant in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

A 49-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent replacement arthroplasty of second to fifth left metacarpophalangeal joints with silastic implant seven years ago presented with a complaint of mild pain and discomfort on the replaced joint of index finger. Ulnar deviation had relapsed, with severe swan neck deformities. Computed tomography examination demonstrated that the tip of the stem of the silicon implant penetrated the second metacarpal. We confirmed that finding surgically, and we performed a revision surgery successfully with autogenous bone grafting from distal radius. As the patient had undergone finger joint replacement surgery with silastic implant, nontraumatic perforation of the bone cortex by the implant could happen in a long-term process. On long-term follow up of silastic arthroplasty of finger joint, the possibility of nontraumatic perforation of the finger bone by the prosthesis should be considered, especially in the coexistence of severe finger deformities such as swan neck deformity.