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Rapunzel syndrome: a case report and review
Catherine Western1, S Bokhari, S Gould
1Department of General Surgery, North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4JB, UK. catherinewestern@yahoo.co.uk
Summary
A rare case of trichobezoar, a hairball, was found in a 14-year-old girl presenting with abdominal pain and a mass. Surgical removal was successful, extracting the large mass that extended into her small intestine.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Trichobezoars are rare gastric foreign bodies, often associated with psychiatric conditions.
- Diagnosis in adolescents can be challenging due to non-specific symptoms.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old female presented with epigastric pain, vomiting, and a palpable upper abdominal mass.
- Ultrasound imaging revealed a significant upper abdominal mass consistent with a trichobezoar.
Findings:
- Laparotomy confirmed a large trichobezoar occupying the stomach.
- The trichobezoar had an unusual extension, with a tail reaching into the small intestine.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering trichobezoar in pediatric patients with unexplained abdominal symptoms.
- Surgical intervention is crucial for large or obstructive trichobezoars.
- The extensive intestinal tail suggests potential for complications if not surgically addressed.
