The Trichobezoar Enigma: Untangling The Intricacies Of Rapunzel Syndrome

Authors

Debabrata Sahu, JSS Medical College, MysuruFollow
Dr Rajkishor Sahu, Purohit General Hospital & Research Centre, Bargarh, OdishaFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0922-6467

Abstract

Rapunzel Syndrome is a rare manifestation of trichobezoar, characterized by the presence of hair strands extending beyond the stomach and into the duodenum. Trichobezoars typically develop in individuals with a history of trichotillomania, a compulsive behavioral disorder involving hair-pulling, combined with trichophagia, the ingestion of hair. While trichobezoars predominantly form within the stomach, their occurrence in the jejunum is infrequent. This condition is more commonly observed in adolescent females.

The formation of bezoars within the gastrointestinal tract is typically attributed to anatomical changes. However, in cases where no such anatomical abnormalities are present, psychiatric disorders like trichotillomania can lead to the development of trichobezoars in the stomach. In this case, a 14-year-old patient is diagnosed with trichotillomania. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and weight loss. Upon examination, a substantial trichobezoar was discovered, completely filling the stomach, duodenum, and extending into the mid-portion of the jejunum, resulting in subacute obstruction.

Publication Date

2023

Publisher

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

First Page

250

Last Page

254

Keywords

Trichobezoar, Rapunzel Syndrome, Trichotilloma, Abdominal pain, Hair, Stomach

Word Count

1045

Recommended Citation

Sahu D, Sahu D. The Trichobezoar Enigma: Untangling The Intricacies Of Rapunzel Syndrome. Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023; 5(5): 250-254. doi: https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1149

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.