Rapunzel Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Biliary Obstruction
May 2010
in “
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
”
TLDR Trichobezoars can cause serious health issues like biliary obstruction, and treatment includes surgery and therapy to prevent recurrence.
Rapunzel syndrome, a rare condition involving gastric trichobezoars with hair strands extending into the intestines, was reported in only 29 cases worldwide by 2010, predominantly affecting females. This case study described a 3-year-old girl, the youngest reported, who presented with biliary obstruction due to a trichobezoar, leading to symptoms like jaundice and abdominal pain. Diagnostic imaging revealed masses in the abdomen, and an ERCP confirmed the trichobezoar extending from the stomach into the duodenum. Surgical removal of the bezoar resulted in significant improvement in liver function. The case highlighted the importance of considering trichobezoars in differential diagnoses for cholestasis and the role of psychotherapy and behavior modification in preventing recurrence.
