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Gastric trichobezoar: abdominal mass in a child with sickle cell disease

Jason D Sciarretta1, Sheldon J Bond

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. jdscia@hotmail.com

Pediatric Emergency Care
|November 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric abdominal pain can mask rare conditions like gastric trichobezoars. This case highlights a 3-year-old with sickle cell disease presenting with acute pain, revealing a large obstructing trichobezoar.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Case Reports

Background:

  • Abdominal pain is common in children, posing diagnostic challenges.
  • Trichobezoars are rare gastric foreign bodies, often overlooked in pediatric differential diagnoses.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old female with sickle cell disease presented with acute epigastric pain.
  • Initial suspicion was sickle cell splenic sequestration, but a palpable upper abdominal mass was noted.
  • The patient experienced sharp epigastric pain, prompting emergency department evaluation.

Findings:

  • A large, obstructing gastric trichobezoar was diagnosed.
  • Diagnostic modalities and treatment strategies for gastric trichobezoars were reviewed.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering trichobezoars in pediatric abdominal pain, even in patients with other underlying conditions.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric trichobezoar cases.

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