A Hairy Tail not a Fairy Tale - Rapunzel Syndrome

Rapunzel Syndrome in a 3-Year-Old Boy: A Menace too Early to Present

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare type of trichobezoar with an extension of the hair into the small bowel. Clinical presentation is deceptive and vague, ranging from asymptomatic abdominal mass to gastrointestinal perforation. There are only few cases reported in literature, with the youngest age being 3 years. We present the case of a 3-year-old male child presenting with Rapunzel syndrome and features of subacute intestinal obstruction.

Rapunzel syndrome: a rare cause of hypoproteinaemia and review of literature

Rapunzel syndrome is an extremely rare condition associated with trichophagia (hair eating disorder) secondary to a psychiatric illness called trichotillomania (hair-pulling behaviour). It is most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Untreated cases can lead to a number of complications. We present a case of a middle-aged woman with sudden intractable vomiting and constipation associated with bilateral pedal oedema and significant weight loss. Laboratory investigations revealed low serum protein levels. Laparotomy was performed, and a hairball was removed from her stomach and ileum. The patient was managed with the help of a psychiatrist and was given nutritional support. We performed a comprehensive search and summarised data for a total of 88 cases. No time or language limit was placed. The purpose of this discussion is to highlight the clinical spectrum of Rapunzel syndrome and also to report its rare association with hypoproteinaemia.

Prediction of Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Bezoars Using Risk Factor Categories on Multidetector Computed Tomographic Findings

Objectives. The aim of this study was to detect factors associated with small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by bezoars on multidetector computed tomographic findings. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 61 patients who had bezoars in the small bowels on MDCT. The patients were divided into SBO patients group and non-SBO patients group. The mean values of the diameter, volume, and CT attenuation as well as location and characteristics of the bezoars were compared between the two groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with SBO. Results. There were 32 patients (52.5%) in the SBO group and 29 patients (47.5%) in the non-SBO group. The bezoars in the SBO group had greater values of each mean diameter and mean volume than those in the non-SBO group (3.2 ± 0.5 cm versus 1.6 ± 0.7 cm, P < 0.0001, 14.9 ± 6.4 cm(3) versus 2.5 ± 2.7 cm(3), P < 0.0001, resp.) and had a lower CT attenuation than the non-SBO group (55.5 ± 23.4 versus 173.0 ± 68.0, P < 0.0001). The SBO group had higher prevalence of phytobezoar appearance (75.0% versus 10.3%, P < 0.0001). Major diameters of bezoar and phytobezoar were significant independent risk factors associated with SBO (odds ratio = 36.09, 8.26, resp., and P = 0.0004, 0.044, resp.). Conclusions. Major diameter of bezoar or phytobezoar is a potential risk factor associated with SBO.

Laparoscopic Management of Acute Pancreatitis Secondary to Rapunzel Syndrome

A 17-year-old girl presented with bilious vomiting and abdominal pain to the surgery department. The history was positive for trichotillomania and trichophagia. A CT scan showed a mass in the stomach, which was highly suspicious for a gastric bezoar. Drooping parts of the bezoar caused a duodenal obstruction with secondary acute pancreatitis. The bezoar was removed via a laparoscopically performed gastrotomy.