Case of rapunzel syndrome: With a review of diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Overview: Rapunzel Syndrome has been used to describe a large gastric trichobezoar with tail that extends beyond the pylorus of variable length. It is a rare diagnosis associated with trichophagia. Related to its rarity and non-specific presentation it poses a diagnostic challenge. We describe the case of a young woman with trichotillomania and trichophagia who presented with signs of obstruction and was found to have Rapunzel syndrome, which was treated with laparotomy. We review the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.