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. 2016 Sep 26:2016:bcr2016216600.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-216600.

Rapunzel syndrome: a rare cause of hypoproteinaemia and review of literature

Waqas Ullah  1 , Kaiser Saleem  2 , Ejaz Ahmad  3 , Faiz Anwer  4
Affiliations

Rapunzel syndrome: a rare cause of hypoproteinaemia and review of literature

Waqas Ullah et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Rapunzel syndrome is an extremely rare condition associated with trichophagia (hair eating disorder) secondary to a psychiatric illness called trichotillomania (hair-pulling behaviour). It is most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Untreated cases can lead to a number of complications. We present a case of a middle-aged woman with sudden intractable vomiting and constipation associated with bilateral pedal oedema and significant weight loss. Laboratory investigations revealed low serum protein levels. Laparotomy was performed, and a hairball was removed from her stomach and ileum. The patient was managed with the help of a psychiatrist and was given nutritional support. We performed a comprehensive search and summarised data for a total of 88 cases. No time or language limit was placed. The purpose of this discussion is to highlight the clinical spectrum of Rapunzel syndrome and also to report its rare association with hypoproteinaemia.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A large hairball measuring 15×10 cm removed from the stomach.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A small daughter hairball measuring 4×3 cm removed from the ileum.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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