Rapunzel Syndrome with Gastric Perforation: A Rare Case Report in a Three-year-old Child

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare variant of trichobezoar in the stomach extending from the stomach into the small intestine causing a bowel obstruction and commonly associated with an underlying psychiatric disorder. The term comes from a story written by the Grimm brothers in 1812 about Rapunzel who was a long-haired maiden. We hereby, present the case of a 3 years old boy with Rapunzel syndrome due to a very large gastric trichobezoar. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed a heterogeneous mass occupying the whole stomach cavity with extension into the jejunum. A large dense mass of hair extending up to jejunum was removed. Following surgery, psychiatric consultation was sought to prevent recurrence. Trichobezoar as an entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain and non-tender abdominal mass in young patients. A thorough assessment of psychiatric history is mandatory to address the underlying disease to prevent recurrence.