Entangled: Rapunzel syndrome with postoperative intussusception.

We present a case of a 7-year-old girl with Rapunzel syndrome, a rare complication of trichobezoar, initially presenting with nonspecific symptoms. Diagnostic challenges led to delayed intervention. Surgical removal of the trichobezoar was successful, but postoperative complications included jejunojejunal intussusception, highlighting the necessity for vigilant follow-up and comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. The emergence of intussusception emphasizes the profound impact of underlying psychiatric disorders, such as trichotillomania and trichophagia, which contribute to trichobezoar formation. These conditions necessitate ongoing psychiatric management to address behavioral factors that predispose to recurrent bezoar formation and associated gastrointestinal complications. Effective follow-up strategies should encompass immediate postoperative care and long-term psychiatric support to optimize patient outcomes and minimize the risk of recurrent intussusception.

Rapunzel syndrome in children: a retrospective review of ten cases combined with literature review in a tertiary referral center.

PURPOSE: Rapunzel syndrome is an uncommon condition in children, and its clinical features remain unclear. This study presents the largest single-center series of pediatric cases to date, with the objective of documenting the clinical characteristics and treatment approaches for children with Rapunzel syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in children with Rapunzel syndrome from 2019 to 2023. We recorded age, gender, symptoms, locations of bezoar, complications, and treatment options. RESULTS: Ten patients with Rapunzel syndrome were included. The median age was 9.1 years, with all of whom were female. The most common clinical symptoms were upper abdominal mass (90%), abdominal pain (80%), and nausea and vomiting (50%). Complications occurred in six cases (60%), including small bowel obstruction (20%), severe gastric dilatation (10%), intestinal perforation (10%), choledochodilation (10%), acute pancreatitis with cholecystitis (10%). Preoperative ultrasonography suggested low-echoic foreign bodies continuing to the jejunum or ileocecal region in five cases (50%). Preoperative gastroscopy attempted in four cases (40%) to remove the foreign bodies, all of which failed. All patients underwent surgical treatment, with nine cases undergoing gastric incision foreign body removal, and one case undergoing gastric incision foreign body removal combined with intestinal perforation repair. All patients recovered well. No recurrence was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis in identifying Rapunzel syndrome is high; however, it may lead to misdiagnosis if not complemented with the patient's medical history. Endoscopic presents a heightened treatment risk and a reduced success rate. The condition commonly presents with severe complications, thus making laparotomy a safe and effective option for intervention.

Mechanical upper bowel obstruction caused by a large trichobezoar in a young woman: A very unusual case report.

BACKGROUND: Bezoars usually compile human fibers and debris. A special form of bezoar in case of psychologically altered individuals is the trichobezoar. It consists of voluntarily swallowed hair bulks and is normally removed via gastroscopy. Trichobezoars leading to ileus have rarely been reported. CASE SUMMARY: A 24-year-old female patient presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for 3 d. Her previous medical and psychiatric history was unremarkable. Laboratory analysis showed iron deficiency anemia, leukocytosis, and elevated liver enzymes. An abdominal CT scan revealed a dense structure in the patients' stomach which turned out to be a huge trichobezoar completely obstructing the pylorus. The trichobezoar had to be removed surgically. During her postoperative course, a subcutaneous seroma formed. After a single puncture, the rest of the recovery process was unremarkable, and the patient recovered fully. CONCLUSION: A mechanical bowel obstruction is a potentially life-threatening event for every patient. In our case a young female was suffering from severe symptoms of an obstruction which might have resulted in serious harm without successful surgical management.

A case of Rapunzel syndrome.

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by a trichobezoar in the gastroduodenal tract caused by trichophagia. Diagnosis was confirmed by upper endoscopy and treatment was surgical.

Endoscopic Removal of a Recurrent Trichobezoar in an Adolescent: A Case Report.

Trichobezoar, a rare condition of intragastric hair accumulation is commonly associated with an underlying psychological condition. Removal of the bezoar either endoscopically or surgically (laparoscopy or laparotomy) with concurrent psychiatric assessment and treatment is the mode of treatment. We present a 10-year-old child with recurrent trichobezoar, who was managed surgically the first time, and subsequently endoscopic removal was done on recurrence of bezoar after 3 months. We also present the difficulties encountered during endoscopic bezoar removal.

When the Gut Tells a Story: Bezoars in a Neglected Autistic Child.

This case study delves into the unique presentation of bezoars in a 14-year-old autistic female who exhibited chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. While trichobezoars, masses formed from ingested hair, are rare, they are predominantly seen in young females and are associated with psychiatric conditions. Through rigorous diagnostic procedures, including a computed tomography imaging of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) scan, fecal impaction, and multiple bezoars, including hair and non-biological items, were identified. The background revealed significant neglect, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach that integrates medical, surgical, and psychosocial care.

Revelation of Rapunzel syndrome: A rare case report of gastric trichobezoar-induced acute purulent peritonitis.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The Rapunzel syndrome embodies an uncommon variation of trichobezoar, predominantly observed among individuals with a history of psychiatric conditions, trichotillomania, and trichophagia. This combination of factors predisposes to the eventual formation of gastric bezoars. Trichobezoars, infrequent gastric masses composed of hair, can lead to complications if left untreated. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old female hairdresser with a history of trichophagia sought medical attention due to abdominal pain and episodes of vomiting. With an elevated body temperature and abdominal rigidity, imaging revealed the presence of a trichobezoar, accompanied by pneumoperitoneum and intraperitoneal effusion. Urgent surgical intervention confirmed the diagnosis of generalized purulent acute peritonitis, triggered by a gastric perforation caused by a 20 cm trichobezoar with an extension into the duodenum, which defines the Rapunzel syndrome. Gastrotomy was performed to remove the trichobezoar, followed by thorough peritoneal lavage. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Trichobezoar is a rare condition that involves the abnormal accumulation of solid substances, particularly hair, within the stomach. Known as "Rapunzel syndrome," it can extend into the duodenum or jejunum. Commonly associated with emotional disorders, trichobezoar can lead to symptoms like epigastric discomfort, vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnosis is through endoscopy, and treatments include fluid intake, endoscopic extraction, chemical dissolution, and surgical removal. Surgical intervention is often preferred, with laparoscopic approaches considered. Psychiatric management is often required for patients. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the uncommon Rapunzel syndrome presentation, emphasizing timely surgical measures and multidisciplinary care for trichobezoars causing acute peritonitis.

[Rapunzel syndrome: Radiological diagnosis]. / Síndrome de Rapunzel: diagnóstico radiológico.

Background: Rapunzel syndrome is a rare presentation of trichobezoar, secondary to the ingestion of hair known as trichophagia. This bezoar has been found mainly in women, it invades the stomach and extends to the small intestine. Clinically, patients present weight loss and chronic obstructive symptoms at the intestinal level. A case of Rapunzel syndrome is presented. Clinical case: A 13-year-old female presented with a weight loss of 10kg in two months, chronic constipation, predominantly nocturnal vomiting, and abdominal pain of seven days' duration. Physical examination revealed decreased peristalsis and a palpable mass in the epigastrium. Laboratories taken on admission: normal blood count, kidney function tests, and liver function tests. The abdominal X-ray showed opacity in the fundus, body and gastric antrum, the abdominal ultrasound showed non-specific findings in the epigastrium, later an abdominal tomography was performed with a swallow of water-soluble contrast medium and showed occupation in the gastric lumen. She underwent exploratory laparotomy and the finding was a trichobezoar in the stomach with extension to the duodenum and part of the jejunum, which was removed without complications. The evolution of the patient was favorable. Conclusions: For the diagnosis of Rapunzel Syndrome, the use of contrast imaging studies is necessary, and the treatment of choice is surgical.

Introducción: el síndrome de Rapunzel es una presentación poco frecuente de tricobezoar, secundario a la ingesta de cabello conocida como tricofagia. Este bezoar se ha encontrado principalmente en mujeres, invade estómago y se extiende a intestino delgado. Clínicamente, los pacientes presentan pérdida de peso y síntomas crónicos de tipo obstructivo a nivel intestinal. Se presenta un caso de síndrome de Rapunzel. Caso clínico: paciente mujer de 13 años que se presenta con pérdida de peso de 10 kg en dos meses, estreñimiento crónico, vómito de predominio nocturno y dolor abdominal de siete días de evolución. A la exploración física, se encontró peristalsis disminuida y masa palpable en epigastrio. Laboratorios tomados a su ingreso: biometría hemática, pruebas de función renal y hepáticas normales. La radiografía de abdomen mostró opacidad en fundus, cuerpo y antro gástrico, la ecografía de abdomen mostró hallazgos inespecíficos en epigastrio, posteriormente se realizó tomografía abdominal con trago de medio de contraste hidrosoluble y mostró ocupación en la luz gástrica. Se sometió a laparotomía exploradora y el hallazgo fue un tricobezoar en estómago con extensión a duodeno y parte de yeyuno, fue removido sin complicaciones. La evolución de la paciente fue favorable. Conclusiones: para el diagnóstico del síndrome de Rapunzel es necesario el uso de estudios de imagen contrastados y el tratamiento de elección es quirúrgico.

A Rare Case of Rapunzel Syndrome Presenting with Perforation Peritonitis.

Rapunzel syndrome with gastric perforation is an extremely rare presentation of trichobezoars of the stomach. Trichobezoars may vary greatly in presentation ranging from benign symptoms like vague abdominal pain and anorexia to grave complications like perforation peritonitis. A sincere evaluation of any underlying psychiatric illnesses, usually trichotillomania and trichophagia, holds the key to preventing recurrences in patients of trichobezoar. A 15-year-old adolescent female presented with signs and symptoms of enteric perforation with a history of trichotillomania and trichophagia. Exploratory laparotomy of the patient revealed anterior gastric perforation with a huge gastric trichobezoar that extended into the duodenum and jejunum, hence establishing the diagnosis of Rapunzel syndrome.

Successful endovascular treatment of superior mesenteric artery-duodenal fistula secondary to Rapunzel syndrome.

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare clinical entity in pediatric patients with a history of trichotillomania and trichophagia that has only been mentioned a few times in the literature. It is characterized by abnormal gastric bezoar formation that sometimes extends to the duodenum, jejunum, or colon. Here, we present a case of a 16-year-old previously healthy female patient who had prolonged hospitalization due to complications related to a significant gastric bezoar that led to massive bleeding due to a superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-duodenal fistula successfully treated with stent graft placement. Undiagnosed trichobezoar can lead to rare and unexpected complications, such as SMA-duodenal fistula, with life-threatening hemorrhagic shock. Prompt activation of massive transfusion protocol and endovascular control of the hemorrhage was vital to successfully treating our patient.

A Triad of Trichobezoar: Rapunzel Syndrome, Severe Malnutrition, and Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

Trichobezoar is a rare condition almost exclusively seen in young females presenting with non-specific abdominal complaints and a history of psychiatric illness. In most patients, it is confined within the stomach; however, in some severe cases, it extends through the pylorus into the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, or even colon, known as Rapunzel syndrome. Conventional treatment includes laparotomy and psychiatric counseling to prevent relapses. We report the case of an 18-year-old female with no previous history of medical or psychiatric illness who presented with chief complaints of upper abdominal pain, nausea, occasional vomiting for the last six months, and generalized edema for the last three days. On examination, pallor, anasarca, and a palpable abdominal lump were present. On blood investigations, severe malnutrition was seen in the form of severe iron deficiency anemia and severe protein deficiency. Radiological evaluation revealed a large trichobezoar on the CT abdomen and endoscopy, whereas CT venography of the brain, done for persistent headache, showed hyperdense thrombi in the cortical veins. Exploratory laparotomy was done to remove trichobezoar, followed by medical management of malnutrition, cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) with anticoagulants, and psychiatric counseling for trichobezoar. The association between trichobezoar, malnutrition, and CVT in our case is a further area of research.

Recurrent Rapunzel Syndrome in an Adolescent Female.

Bezoars are concrete masses found within the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to obstructions. One of the most common forms of bezoars is trichobezoar, composed of swallowed hair. Many bezoars are confined to the stomach; however, a small occurrence of trichobezoars extends past the pylorus and into the duodenum, or small bowel, termed Rapunzel syndrome. In the literature, there have been few cases of recurrent Rapunzel syndrome. Our case is a 13-year-old female with recurrent Rapunzel syndrome requiring three operative interventions.

Acute Case of Trichobezoar Diagnosed From Computed Tomography and 3D Images: Rapunzel Syndrome Re-examined.

A trichobezoar is a rare cause of abdominal pain due to an indigestible mass in the gastrointestinal tract that is composed of a patient's hair. If a trichobezoar grows and extends from the gastric body to the pylorus and into the small bowel, it is considered Rapunzel syndrome. We present a case of an 11-year-old female patient with Rapunzel syndrome who presented with four weeks of colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and severe malnutrition. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with 3D rendering demonstrated a large bezoar, and the patient was successfully treated with exploratory laparotomy, gastrostomy, and removal of the trichobezoar intact.

The Rapunzel syndrome: a hairy tale.

BACKGROUND: Trichobezoars are a rare medical condition, often requiring a surgical approach and commonly associated with an underlying psychiatric disorder. The Rapunzel syndrome is a rare variant of trichobezoar in the stomach extending from the stomach into the small intestine causing a bowel obstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and surgical removal of a large-size bezoar (Rapunzel syndrome) in a young and otherwise healthy female is described. Different surgical strategies are discussed. Psychiatric exploration gives an insight on development of trichophagia ultimately leading to the forming of the trichobezoar. CONCLUSIONS: This brief report sheds light on the importance of the collective mind of a multidisciplinary team preventing a potentially fatal outcome.

Rapunzel Syndrome: A Concealed Tale of the Misleading Tail.

The diagnosis of Rapunzel syndrome can sometimes be challenging. The silent features such as poor appetite, constipation, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypoproteinemia were all overlooked in our patient initially. The Rapunzel tail leads to multiple intussusceptions and an unexpected perforation sealed by intussusceptions. Perforation sealed by intussusceptions in a clinically stable patient of Rapunzel syndrome has never been reported.

Rapunzel syndrome: An infrequent cause of paediatric mechanical occlusion.

Despite numerous cases of trichobezoars reported in the literature, few Rapunzel syndromes have been described. Rapunzel syndrome is a rare case of bowel obstruction resulting from hair ingestion (trichobezoar). The obstruction can occur in any level of the intestinal tract. This syndrome is usually reported in patients affected by trichotillomania and trichophagia. We reported a case of Rapunzel syndrome in a 5-year-old girl diagnosed on an abdominal computed tomography scan and confirmed during surgery.

An atypical death from Rapunzel syndrome: a case report.

Trichotillomania is a psychiatric disorder characterized by recurring urges to pulling out hairs, eyelashes, or down in other parts of the body. Trichophagia, which is the urge to ingesting the pulled-out hairs, can cause Rapunzel syndrome, an unusual disorder where gastric trichobezoars can be found in the small intestine. Trichobezoars, amorphous masses composed of undigested food formed by hairs, can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract up to simulating symptoms typical of bowel obstruction. Rapunzel syndrome, named after Grimm's tale, may cause death, especially in the pediatric population, being it seldom over the age of 6; moreover, developing countries and environmental and familiar issues are listed as uncertain risk factors. The present case report deals with the death of a 4-year-old female occurred after lunch and following a series of vomit events; while no traumatic or pathological findings were revealed at the external examination, the autopsy revealed three large trichobezoars localized in the stomach and the small intestine. Despite death was due to gastrointestinal obstruction for multiple trichobezoars and collateral bronchoaspiration of dietary material, histological findings were totally non-specific, meaning that it is sometimes difficult to conclude that death is related to the primary pathological condition.

Gastric trichobezoar and Rapunzel syndrome: case report of a very rare condition.

Background: Rapunzel syndrome is a rare trichobezoar variant extending from the gastric cavity into the small bowel. Case description: We report the case of a 22-year-old woman who presented with epigastric pain, nausea, and loss of appetite within the preceding five weeks. She had a palpable mass in the epigastric area with mild localized tenderness. Her abdominal computed tomography scan showed a distended stomach and duodenum, with a heterogeneous solid material, suspicious for a bezoar. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a large, densely packed trichobezoar occupying the gastric cavity and extending through the pylorus. Endoscopic removal of the bezoar was unsuccessful. The patient underwent a 6cm-long gastrotomy, and the 150cm-long bezoar, extending from the stomach to the jejunum, was uneventfully removed. The patient was referred postoperatively to a dietitian and psychiatrist for management of her trichotillomania and trichophagia. Conclusion: Trichobezoars are commonly found in young females with a history of trichotillomania and trichophagia and are associated with psychiatric disorders. HIPPOKRATIA 2023, 27 (1):25-27.