An adolescent girl with Rapunzel syndrome: Case report with review of literature

• Main Authors: Pradnya M Diggikar, Prasanna K Satpathy, Arjun L Kakrani, Mukesh Laddha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2013-01-01
• Series: Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University
• Subjects: Bezoar; Rapunzel Syndrome trichobezoar; trichophagia; trichotillomania
• Online Access: http://www.mjdrdypu.org/article.asp?issn=0975-2870;year=2013;volume=6;issue=2;spage=200;epage=204;aulast=Diggikar

Trichobezoar is a collection of dense mass of hair in stomach. When this extends into any part of the small intestine it is called Rapunzel Syndrome (RS). We report here, a case of RS in an adolescent girl who had presented with epigastric pain and swelling. Gastroscopy confirmed the presence of trichobezoar. She underwent gastrotomy and a large dense mass of hair extending up to first part of duodenum was removed. Her parents revealed their daughter′s impulsive nature of scalp-hair pulling. Following surgery, Psychiatric consultation was sought to prevent recurrence. Trichobezoar is a very rare cause of upper abdominal mass and should be considered if there is a very strong history of impulsive hair pulling. Surgical removal of a large trichobezoar is the only treatment of cure and psychiatric treatment that prevents its recurrence.