Vinyl glove ingestion: Rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding

A 72-year-old man with a history of Parkinson’s disease and dementia was admitted for aspiration pneumonia. He had several prior episodes of pica and aspiration pneumonia. He was treated with antibiotics and nil orally, and was getting better, when melaena was noted. He did not have any abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed a foreign object filled with air in the stomach (Fig. 1). An emergent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a stiffened vinyl glove and erosive gastritis (Fig. 2); therefore, endoscopic removal was attempted. Oesophageal injury (Fig. 3) occurred during removal of the rigid glove (Fig. 4). His melaena improved after the procedure, and he was discharged without further complications.

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FIG 1.

Abdominal computed tomography showing a foreign object filled with air in the stomach (arrows)

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FIG 2.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirming (a) a stiffened vinyl glove and (b) erosive gastritis (arrows)

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FIG 3.

Oesophageal injury caused by the rigid nature of the glove during removal

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FIG 4.

The removed stiffened vinyl glove

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Pica and dementia are reported to be risk factors for foreign body ingestion because such patients can eat whatever is around them.¹ The vinyl glove became stiff and sharp after ingestion; thus, causing erosions upon contact with the stomach lining. Although endoscopic removal was successful, the procedure should be done with caution because the vinyl glove hardens. Surgical removal may be required if endoscopic removal fails.²