Rapunzel syndrome

The Rapunzel syndrome is an extremely rare intestinal condition in humans resulting from eating hair (trichophagia). The syndrome is named after the long-haired girl Rapunzel in the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. Trichophagia is sometimes associated with the hair pulling disorder trichotillomania.

Characteristics of the syndrome include:

• The body of a trichobezoar (hairball) located in the stomach, and its tail in the small bowel and/or in the right colon
• Small or large bowel obstruction
• Occurring in psychiatric patients
• Trichotillomania

At least fourteen cases have been reported in the pediatric age group.

Treatment

Because the human gastrointestinal tract is unable to digest human hairs, the trichobezoar usually has to be treated surgically.

External links

Read More