Rapunzel syndrome: a rare cause of recurrent abdominal pain in 8 year-old child

Abstract

Trichobezoar or Rapunzel syndrome is a rare condition in childhood, secondary to unusual aggregation of hair and indigestible fibers inside the digestive tract. We report an unusual case of gastric trichobezoar in an 8-year-old female with history of recurrent abdominal pain and unclear history of trichophagia. Treatment was surgical after failure of endoscopic extraction. Psychological follow-up was initiated and outcome was favorable.