Rapunzel syndrome with a fatal outcome in a neglected child

J Pediatr Surg. 2005 Oct;40(10):1665-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2005.06.038.

Abstract

The "Rapunzel" syndrome (a trichobezoar with a long tail extending from the stomach to the small bowel) is an uncommon disease. It is related to severe complications but rarely associates to a fatal outcome. We report a case of a 5-year-old girl admitted at the emergency department in cardiorespiratory arrest whose autopsy disclosed an ileal perforation that is caused by a long bezoar extending from the stomach to the small bowel. The authors discuss a possible link between Rapunzel syndrome and child neglect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bezoars / complications*
  • Child
  • Child Abuse
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileal Diseases / etiology*
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology*
  • Intestine, Small*
  • Stomach*
  • Syndrome