A huge abdominal mass revealing a depressive syndrome

Trichobezoar is a rare condition that occurs mostly in young women with psychiatric disorders such as trichotillomania and trichophagia. We report the case of a giant gastric trichobezoar in a 21-year-old woman who presented with chronic abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss. Abdominal examination revealed a large epigastric mass. Endoscopic and imaging findings were highly suggestive of a gastric trichobezoar. Surgical extraction of the huge hair mass was successfully performed through an open gastrotomy. Postoperatively, history of a neglected chronic depression with suicidal ideation was diagnosed. Consequently, the patient was referred to the psychiatric department for mental healthcare, to prevent trichobezoar recurrences.