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Rapunzel syndrome
Gordana Petrović1, Aleksandar Nagorni, Goran Bjelaković
1Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Clinical Centre Nis, Nis, Serbia. gpetrovicnis@gmail.com
Vojnosanitetski Pregled
|August 29, 2012
Summary
This case report highlights Rapunzel syndrome, a rare form of trichobezoar (hairball) in the gastrointestinal tract. Surgical intervention and long-term psychiatric care are crucial for managing this condition in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Trichobezoars are hair accumulations in the GI tract, often linked to trichotillophagia.
- Rapunzel syndrome is a rare variant where a gastric trichobezoar extends into the small intestine.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old female with trichotillomania and trichotillophagia presented with symptoms suggestive of an intra-abdominal tumor.
- Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound, endoscopy, and CT scan, confirmed a large trichobezoar.
Findings:
- The patient underwent surgical removal of the trichobezoar.
- Post-operative management included psychiatric treatment and monitoring.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering trichobezoars in young women with abdominal symptoms and psychiatric disorders.
- Emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach involving surgery and long-term psychiatric care for successful management.
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