The diagnosis and treatment of Rapunzel syndrome

Acta Radiol Open. 2016 Nov 22;5(11):2058460115627660. doi: 10.1177/2058460115627660. eCollection 2016 Nov.

Abstract

Trichobezoars are hairballs or hair-like fibers formed by chewing and swallowing hair or any other indigestible materials. Trichobezoars usually form in the gastric body and are thus prepyloric. However, trichobezoars may rarely pass through the pylorus into the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and even the colon, in a condition referred to as Rapunzel syndrome. Here, we present a case of a 13-year-old girl with this rare syndrome and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Keywords: Rapunzel syndrome; Trichobezoars; diagnosis; treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports