Case Report

Rapunzel and Pregnancy

Authors: Mohamed Salem MD, PhD, Ragai Fouda MD, PhD, MRCP, Usama Fouda MD, PhD, Mohamed E.L. Maadawy MD, PhD, Hussam Ammar MD

Abstract

Abstract:Rapunzel, the girl with long golden tresses in the fairy tale, inspired Vaughan et al to describe, in 1968, cases of trichobezoar with a long tail causing bowel obstruction as “Rapunzel syndrome.” A 22-year-old Egyptian woman had been suffering from episodes of epigastric pain and vomiting throughout her pregnancy and puerperium. After diagnosing pancreatitis, we discovered a trichobezoar in her stomach. In an emergent gastrotomy, she was found to have a gastric trichobezoar with a long tail extending down to her duodenum. This is one of the very few cases of Rapunzel syndrome to be complicated by pancreatitis; to our knowledge, it is the first to be reported postpartum.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

References1. Katapadi M, Kostandy G, Wang A, et al. Can a bezoar cause acute pancreatitis? J Clin Gastroenterol 1997;24:120–121. Review.2. Western C, Bokhari S, Gould S. Rapunzel syndrome: a case report and review. J Gastrointest Surg 2008;12:1612–1614. Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/eh11870t45587v72/. Accessed March 3, 2008.3. Naik S, Gupta V, Naik S, et al. Rapunzel syndrome reviewed and redefined. Dig Surg 2007;24:157–161. Review.4. Woods DW, Flessner C, Franklin ME, et al. Understanding and treating trichotillomania: what we know and what we don’t know. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2006;29:487–501, ix. Review.5. Rabie ME, Arishi AR, Khan A, et al. Rapunzel syndrome: the unsuspected culprit. World J Gastroenterol 2008;14:1141–1143.RabieME]]ArishiAR]]KhanA&etal;Rapunzel syndrome: the unsuspected culprit.World J Gastroenterol2008141141-1143