[The physician at wit's end; a bezoar]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Trichobezoars, a form of gastric bezoar, are rare in children.
• Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and trichophagy (hair eating) can lead to bezoar formation.

Observation:

• A three-year-old Moroccan girl presented with iron deficiency anemia.
• She also had a large bezoar composed of hair, causing a slow-onset intestinal obstruction (ileus).

Findings:

• The bezoar was directly linked to the patient's trichotillomania and trichophagy.
• This condition resulted in a gradually developing obstruction ileus.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering trichobezoars in pediatric cases of unexplained anemia and abdominal symptoms.
• Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management of bezoars to prevent serious complications like intestinal obstruction.