Rapunzel Syndrome Resulting in Multiple Sites of Simultaneous Intussusception

We present a case of Rapunzel syndrome in a nine-year-old girl with nonverbal autism, pica, and trichotillomania, who presented for acute worsening of abdominal pain and vomiting. Imaging revealed a bezoar extending from the stomach through most of the small intestine, resulting in multiple small bowel-small bowel intussusceptions. Open laparotomy confirmed the presence and enabled the removal of gastroenteric trichobezoars. Trichobezoars are seen most often in adolescent females with a history of trichotillomania and trichophagia. Trichobezoars can cause serious complications, including obstruction, perforation, and intussusception, most notable in the setting of Rapunzel syndrome. Abdominal computed tomography is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosis and surgical planning. The current case highlights the unique radiologic features of extensive bezoar disease and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and definitive operative management to reduce morbidity.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-08-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.90733
Primary Topic
Intestinal and Peritoneal Adhesions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Rapunzel Syndrome Resulting in Multiple Sites of Simultaneous Intussusception

Dan E. Sturdevant, S. F. Schaffner, Eric C Morey, Caitlin Brandle
Cureus
Intestinal and Peritoneal Adhesions
article

Rapunzel Syndrome Resulting in Multiple Sites of Simultaneous Intussusception

Dan E. Sturdevant, S. F. Schaffner, Eric C Morey, Caitlin Brandle
article en

Abstract

We present a case of Rapunzel syndrome in a nine-year-old girl with nonverbal autism, pica, and trichotillomania, who presented for acute worsening of abdominal pain and vomiting. Imaging revealed a bezoar extending from the stomach through most of the small intestine, resulting in multiple small bowel-small bowel intussusceptions. Open laparotomy confirmed the presence and enabled the removal of gastroenteric trichobezoars. Trichobezoars are seen most often in adolescent females with a history of trichotillomania and trichophagia. Trichobezoars can cause serious complications, including obstruction, perforation, and intussusception, most notable in the setting of Rapunzel syndrome. Abdominal computed tomography is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosis and surgical planning. The current case highlights the unique radiologic features of extensive bezoar disease and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and definitive operative management to reduce morbidity.

CureusVol. 17(8)
Augusta University (US), Augusta University Health (US)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 65%
Intestinal and Peritoneal Adhesions
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