Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2025

08:43
Chronic Ovine Model of Right Ventricular Failure and Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation
Published on: March 17, 2023
697
Trichobezoer: An Unusual Presentation with Congestive Heart Failure
Madeeha Malik1, Fatima Javed2, Bassam Helou3
1Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine
|July 10, 2023
Summary
This case study highlights a rare gastric trichobezoar (GT) in a 40-year-old female, presenting with heart failure symptoms. Surgical removal of the hair impaction was successful after managing her cardiac condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Trichobezoars are hair impactions in the GI tract, often linked to trichotillomania and trichophagia, predominantly in young females.
- Gastric trichobezoars (GT) are the most common type, with potential complications including gastric erosion, ulceration, and obstruction.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old female presented with dyspnea, edema, abdominal distension, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting, initially suspected as congestive heart failure.
- Physical examination revealed sinus tachycardia, displaced apex beat, and a split second heart sound.
- Upper endoscopy identified a large gastric trichobezoar.
Findings:
- The patient was markedly anemic and hypothyroid.
- Surgical removal of the gastric trichobezoar was performed after stabilization of her heart failure.
- The patient reported a history of hair pulling and swallowing under stress.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare gastrointestinal conditions like trichobezoars in patients with atypical presentations.
- Early diagnosis and management, including psychiatric support, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Gastric trichobezoars can mimic other serious conditions, necessitating a thorough diagnostic approach.
Keywords:
bezoarscongestive heart failuregastric bezoargastric obstructiongastric trichobezoarhypothyroidismtrichotillomaniaMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
24
Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
24
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
1.4K
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
1.4K
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
16
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
16
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
1.6K
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
1.6K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
2.8K
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
2.8K
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
16
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
16

