Rapunzel Syndrome in a Pediatric Female Patient: A Case Report of Trichobezoar Causing Intestinal Obstruction
January 2026
in “
Cureus
”
Studysummary This case report describes a rare instance of Rapunzel syndrome in a six-year-old girl, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment to prevent serious complications.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This case report describes a rare instance of Rapunzel syndrome in a six-year-old girl who experienced intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation for two months. Despite initial unremarkable tests, further examination revealed patchy scalp alopecia, suggesting hair ingestion. An upper endoscopy identified a large trichobezoar in the stomach and duodenum, which could not be removed endoscopically. The patient underwent open laparotomy to successfully remove an 11 × 4 cm bezoar. The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing Rapunzel syndrome in children with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, even without psychiatric history, to ensure timely intervention and prevent complications.
