MediAI

Trichobezoar and Rapunzel Syndrome: The Hidden Cause of Abdominal Pain Every Radiologist Must Recognize Introduction Emergency departments frequently encounter adolescents presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. While appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, and ovarian pathology are common considerations, rare entities such as trichobezoar remain important diagnostic possibilities. A trichobezoar is a compact mass of ingested hair that accumulates within the stomach and occasionally extends into the duodenum and small bowel. When the hair mass extends beyond the pylorus into the small intestine, the condition is commonly referred to as Rapunzel syndrome. Although uncommon, delayed diagnosis can result in gastric outlet obstruction, bowel perforation, malnutrition, intussusception, and even death. Consequently, radiologists play a pivotal role in early identification. The present case involves a 17-year-old female with autism and trichotil...