[Rectal self-mutilation, rectal bleeding and Prader-Willi syndrome]

Arch Pediatr. 2001 Oct;8(10):1075-7. doi: 10.1016/s0929-693x(01)00586-3.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by infantile hypotonia, obesity, hypogonadism and mental retardation. Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome manifest a severe skin picking behavior, including rectal picking.

Case report: We report the case of a girl (12 years old) with this syndrome in whom rectal picking resulted in rectal bleeding and solitary rectal ulcer.

Conclusion: Caregivers of children with Prader-Willi syndrome should be aware of a potential rectal picking behavior, which results in significant bleeding. Early recognition of such a behavior helps to avoid misdiagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome / complications
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome / psychology*
  • Rectal Diseases / complications
  • Rectal Diseases / etiology*
  • Rectal Diseases / pathology
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / complications*
  • Ulcer / complications
  • Ulcer / etiology*
  • Ulcer / pathology