Searching for a Lead: Diagnosing a Rare Cause of Recurrent Intussusception
September 2024
in “
Pediatrics in Review
”
🚨 The study is moderately relevant as it involves trichotillomania and trichophagia, which are conditions related to human hair, but it primarily focuses on a gastrointestinal issue rather than hair loss or scalp conditions.
Studysummary This case report detailed a rare diagnosis of Rapunzel syndrome, where intussusception in a young girl was caused by trichobezoars linked to undiagnosed trichotillomania and trichophagia.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 5-year-old girl with a history of insomnia and developmental delays presented with recurrent intussusception, bilious emesis, and abdominal pain. Initial imaging and laparoscopy failed to identify a lead point, but exploratory laparotomy revealed a trichobezoar causing the intussusception. The trichobezoar was surgically removed, resolving her symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with trichotillomania and trichophagia, conditions often associated with developmental and psychiatric disorders. Post-surgery, she received psychiatric evaluation and therapy, leading to weight gain and cessation of hair ingestion. This case highlights the importance of considering trichobezoars in differential diagnoses for pediatric abdominal pain, especially in patients with developmental or psychiatric histories.
