Rapunzel syndrome (gastric trichobezoar), a rare presentation with generalised oedema: case report and review of the literature. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nour, Islam; Abd Alatef, Mona; Megahed, Ahmed; Yahia, Sohier; Wahba, Yahya; Shabaan, Abd Elazeez
• Is Part Of: Paediatrics and international child health. Volume 39:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Oedema -- Egyptian -- endoscopy -- epigastric -- laparotomy -- Rapunzel syndrome -- trichobezoars; Pediatrics -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Children -- Diseases -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 618.920009172405
• DOI: 10.1080/20469047.2017.1389809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-9047

Abstract

Abstract: Rapunzel syndrome is a rare form of gastric trichobezoar. A 4-year-old girl presented with generalised oedema and an epigastric mass. Her family was of a relatively low socio-economic background. There was microcytic hypochromic anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and an elevated α1-antitrypsin clearance. Abdominal ultrasound and non-contrast computed tomography demonstrated a heterogeneous mass related to the stomach. Upper gastro-intestinal tract endoscopy failed to remove it. Surgical laparotomy was undertaken through a single anterior gastrotomy incision and a large mass was extracted which was a cast of the duodenum and stomach and had a tail of approximately 60 cm in length which extended to the jejunum. Low socio-economic status, child neglect and pica are risk factors for trichobezoars. Surgical laparotomy is the optimal treatment of large bezoars.