The Rapunzel Syndrome: Is It an Asian Problem? (Case Report and Review of Literature)
July 2009
in “
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
”
TLDR Rapunzel syndrome is more common in Asian countries and requires early diagnosis, especially in Asian girls.
The document discussed the Rapunzel syndrome, a rare condition involving gastric trichobezoars that extend into the small bowel, potentially causing complications like obstruction, perforation, or peritonitis. The majority of cases were reported in Asian countries. The report detailed the second known case in England, involving a 14-year-old Asian girl who presented with small bowel obstruction. Her condition was previously overlooked when she exhibited symptoms such as slim stature, iron-deficiency anemia, and frontal alopecia. The study emphasized the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion, especially in Asian girls, to ensure timely diagnosis and intervention.