Trichobezoar without a clear manifestation of trichotillomania

Abstract

Trichophagia is a compulsive condition characterized by eating hair, mostly seen in adolescent females. Persistence of ingestion of hair over many years results in the formation of trichobezoar. Surgical intervention is often needed in the management of large trichobezoars. We present a case of a 23 year old female with trichophagia which led to the formation of gastric trichobezoar. The patient reported with complaints of pain in abdomen for past 1-2 years, and loss of appetite and vomiting post meals for 6 months. On detailed examination, a diagnosis of trichobezoar was formed which was removed by laparotomy with gastrotomy under general anaesthesia. Psychiatric evaluation revealed a history of fluctuating mood symptoms during her childhood and depressive symptomatology presently without any associated urge of plucking hair and subsequent gratification. Hence, the management of the disease requires proper liaison between the surgeon, psychiatrist, and caregivers of the patient; and regular psychiatric follow-up and treatment of the underlying psychopathology to prevent the recurrent formation of bezoar.

Keywords: Depression; trichobezoar; trichophagia.

Figure 1

CAT scan image of trichobezoar

Figure 2

Removed trichobezoar