Medical Oddities: Not a feces sign, a wine cork
Imaging twists, intimacy rules, kombucha, and stress biology keep science delightfully odd.
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By
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Teraya Smith
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August 13, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Medical Oddities: Not a feces sign, a wine cork
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Acute Small Bowel Obstruction |
| Key Mechanisms | Ingestion of foreign body leading to mechanical obstruction |
| Target Population | Adults with acute abdominal symptoms |
| Care Setting | Emergency Department |
Key Highlights
- 25-year-old male presented with acute small bowel obstruction.
- Initial CT misinterpreted a gas-mottled mass as feces sign.
- Surgical exploration revealed wine-bottle cork fragments.
- Differentiation between feces sign and foreign body is crucial.
- No underlying strictures or bowel ischemia found.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use contrast-enhanced abdominal CT for evaluation of suspected obstruction.
- Differentiate between feces sign and foreign body on imaging.
Management
- Surgical intervention is indicated in cases of complete mechanical obstruction.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor for signs of bowel ischemia and obstruction resolution post-surgery.
Risks
- Risk of misdiagnosis leading to delayed treatment.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain and signs of obstruction.
Surgical removal of foreign bodies may be necessary in obstructive cases.
Clinical Best Practices
- Ensure accurate imaging interpretation to guide management.
- Consider foreign body ingestion in young adults with unexplained bowel obstruction.
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