A case of rapunzel syndrome
1Department of Pediatrics, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea.
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
|September 7, 2013
Summary
Rapunzel syndrome, a rare condition, involves hair forming a gastric trichobezoar extending into the small bowel. This case highlights its presentation in an 8-year-old girl with abdominal pain and vomiting.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Rapunzel syndrome is an extremely rare condition characterized by a gastric trichobezoar with an extension into the small intestine.
- It is often associated with trichotillomania (hair pulling) and trichophagia (hair eating).
Observation:
- An 8-year-old girl presented with an abdominal mass, epigastric pain, and vomiting.
- Imaging revealed a large gastric trichobezoar with a tail extending into the jejunum.
- The patient had a history of trichotillomania and trichophagia.
Findings:
- Surgical laparotomy successfully removed a large trichobezoar.
- The trichobezoar extended from the stomach into the mid-jejunum.
- The patient's psychiatric history was noted, but follow-up was lost.
Implications:
- Rapunzel syndrome requires surgical intervention for trichobezoar removal.
- It is crucial to consider Rapunzel syndrome in the differential diagnosis of children with chronic abdominal pain and a history of trichophagia.
- Early psychiatric intervention may be beneficial for patients with trichophagia.
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