A CASE REPORT OF RAPUNZEL SYNDROME, TRICHOBEZOAR IN A CHILD
Abstract
Trichobezoars (hair ball) are usually located in the stomach, but may
extend through the pylorus into the duodenum and small bowel (Rapunzel syndrome). It is a rare
condition almost exclusively seen in young females. Human hair is resistant to digestion as well as
peristalsis due to its smooth surface. Therefore it accumulates between the mucosal folds of the
stomach. Over a period of time, continuous ingestion of hair leads to the impaction of hair together
with mucus and food, causing the formation of a trichobezoar.CASE REPORT We hereby report a
case of 7 year old female child referred to us for evaluation of vague abdominal mass, decreased
food intake and abdominal pain on and off. Patient was taken up for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
which showed balls of hair mixed with food in stomach and duodenum assuming the shape of the
stomach and extending into the duodenum. Patient was taken up for surgery by the paediatric
surgeons and the trichobezoar was removed. With no post operative complications the child was
discharged.CONCLUSION In conclusion, trichobezoar should be considered in young females and
particularly in children presenting with non-specific abdominal complaints.
extend through the pylorus into the duodenum and small bowel (Rapunzel syndrome). It is a rare
condition almost exclusively seen in young females. Human hair is resistant to digestion as well as
peristalsis due to its smooth surface. Therefore it accumulates between the mucosal folds of the
stomach. Over a period of time, continuous ingestion of hair leads to the impaction of hair together
with mucus and food, causing the formation of a trichobezoar.CASE REPORT We hereby report a
case of 7 year old female child referred to us for evaluation of vague abdominal mass, decreased
food intake and abdominal pain on and off. Patient was taken up for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
which showed balls of hair mixed with food in stomach and duodenum assuming the shape of the
stomach and extending into the duodenum. Patient was taken up for surgery by the paediatric
surgeons and the trichobezoar was removed. With no post operative complications the child was
discharged.CONCLUSION In conclusion, trichobezoar should be considered in young females and
particularly in children presenting with non-specific abdominal complaints.
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PDFReferences
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