Rapunzel syndrome and small bowel Intussusceptions in a girl: A case report

Abstract

Trichobezoars are indigestible masses of ingested hair commonly found in the stomach, often presenting with symptoms related to gastric outlet obstruction and severity related to the mass’s size and location. Rapunzel syndrome is caused by gastric trichobezoar with extended tail and small bowel obstruction. Patients with gastric trichobezoar can be asymptomatic until the bezoar increases in size. We report a case of a 8 years old girl who visited the emergency department with abdominal pain. She was finally diagnosed with Rapunzel syndrome that causes multiple small bowel intussusceptions associated with trichophagia. Surgery was needed to reduce the multiple intussusceptions, and to remove the large trichobezoar. This case highlights to consider the possibility of Rapunzel syndrome when diagnosing the main cause of intussusceptions.