Spontaneous Hyperinflation of an Intragastric Balloon Causing Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Abstract

A 39-year-old female with a history of obesity (body mass index, BMI = 33.6) had an intragastric balloon (IGB) placed in February 2020 for weight loss. She presented with gastric outlet obstruction after a delay in the removal of her IGB because of the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic. Although uncommon, spontaneous hyperinflation of IGBs has been reported and the US FDA also has issued a warning regarding the risk of spontaneous hyperinflation. The etiology of the hyperinflation is unclear, however, gas-forming micro-organism contamination of the IGB fluid has been reported.