Trusting Your Gut: A Hairy Situation—Gastric Trichobezoar Case Report
February 2026
in “
Frontiers in Pediatrics
”
Studysummary This case report describes a 7-year-old girl initially misdiagnosed with SMA syndrome, but later found to have a gastric trichobezoar via EGD, highlighting the diagnostic challenges in children with nonspecific symptoms.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A case report discusses a 7-year-old girl with generalized abdominal pain and rapid weight loss, initially suspected to have superior mesenteric artery syndrome. However, a gastric trichobezoar was identified through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The report highlights that trichobezoars, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients, particularly females with nonspecific symptoms. Diagnosis can be delayed due to symptom overlap with other conditions, and EGD evaluation is recommended for accurate diagnosis.
