350 Coins Inside Patient’s Stomach: In 2002, French doctors faced a shocking case when a 62-year-old man arrived at the emergency room with severe stomach pain. Upon examining him, they found something they couldn’t have imagined: the man had swallowed around 350 coins, worth about $650, along with other objects like necklaces and needles. The weight of these items, which amounted to 12 pounds, had forced his stomach to hang low between his hips. Despite their efforts, the man died from complications 12 days after surgery. This case highlighted a rare condition known as pica, where people feel compelled to eat non-food objects.
What is Pica?
Pica is a condition where individuals consume items that aren’t typically considered food. The name comes from the Latin word for “magpie,” a bird known for its tendency to eat almost anything. People with pica may ingest objects such as dirt, chalk, soap, hair, and even metal objects like coins. Pica is most commonly observed in children and pregnant women, but it can also be seen in people with psychiatric disorders.
The Case of the French Patient
The patient in this case, whose name was not disclosed, had a history of severe psychiatric illness. His family informed the doctors that he had a habit of swallowing coins, a behavior that had led to multiple hospital visits in the past. Although the family tried to keep small objects like coins and jewelry away from him, the man continued to find and swallow them.
X-Ray Findings and Surgery
When doctors at Cholet General Hospital took an X-ray of the man’s stomach, they were stunned by what they saw. The X-ray revealed a large, opaque mass in his stomach that turned out to be around 350 coins and other objects, weighing about 12 pounds—the weight of a small bowling ball. The stomach’s weight had even shifted it downward into the man’s hips, causing additional complications.
Five days after he arrived at the hospital, doctors performed surgery to remove the coins and other items from his stomach. Unfortunately, his stomach was badly damaged, and despite the removal of the objects, he passed away due to complications 12 days later.
Why Did He Swallow Coins?
The man’s compulsive swallowing behavior, part of his pica condition, developed over a decade. He consumed coins made from French currency and euros during that time. He also had a tendency to steal coins when visiting other people’s homes and ingest them. The compulsion to swallow non-food items is a defining feature of pica and is often linked to psychiatric issues.
Pica in Other Cases
The Frenchman’s case is extreme, but it sheds light on the broader phenomenon of pica. Dr. Bruno Francois, one of the patient’s doctors, mentioned that he had treated other patients with pica, including one who swallowed forks. Most of the time, small objects pass through the digestive system without causing major issues, but larger items can get stuck, requiring surgical intervention. In severe cases like that of the Frenchman, pica can be life-threatening.
Pica Diagnosis and Treatment
350 Coins Inside Patient’s Stomach: Diagnosing pica can be tricky, as it requires both physical examinations and an understanding of a patient’s psychiatric history. Doctors often use X-rays or scans to identify ingested objects. Treatment usually involves a combination of psychological therapy and efforts to remove the objects from the body. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help patients control their urge to swallow non-food items. Additionally, keeping the environment free of small, swallowable objects is important in managing the condition.
Reactions to the Case
The Frenchman’s unusual case was reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. It generated significant interest among medical professionals, with 666 readers from 73 countries trying to diagnose the patient’s condition. Most correctly identified that he had pica, though only 8 percent specifically guessed that he had swallowed coins. This case became a reminder for doctors to consider unusual factors when treating patients with mental health conditions.
Conclusion
350 Coins Inside Patient’s Stomach: The story of the French patient who swallowed 350 coins is a rare and tragic example of the complications that can arise from pica. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the outcome was fatal. This case underscores the importance of understanding and managing psychiatric conditions that lead to such extreme behaviors. It serves as a cautionary tale about the critical need for early diagnosis and intervention in cases of pica to prevent severe outcomes.
Table: Key Facts about the French Patient’s Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2002 |
| Location | Cholet General Hospital, France |
| Patient’s Age | 62 years old |
| Items Swallowed | Around 350 coins, necklaces, needles |
| Value of Coins | Approximately $650 |
| Weight of Stomach Contents | 12 pounds |
| Condition | Pica |
| Outcome | Surgery performed; patient died 12 days later due to complications |
| Reported In | New England Journal of Medicine |
| Number of Diagnoses Submitted | 666 readers from 73 countries |
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FAQs
What is pica?
Pica is a condition where a person eats non-food items like dirt, coins, or hair. It is often seen in children, pregnant women, and people with psychiatric disorders.
How did the Frenchman’s pica affect his health?
The Frenchman swallowed around 350 coins, which caused severe stomach pain and eventually required surgery. His stomach’s weight led to complications, and he died 12 days after the operation.
Why did he swallow coins?
Due to his psychiatric condition, the man felt compelled to eat coins and other small objects. His family tried to keep these items away from him, but he continued to find and swallow them.
Can pica be treated?
Yes, pica can be managed with psychological therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and by keeping the person’s environment free of swallowable items.
What makes this case unusual?
This case stands out because of the large quantity of coins—around 350—that the man swallowed, weighing about 12 pounds. Such a severe case is rare and highlights the dangers of untreated pica.