Trichobezoar-Induced Intussusception in a Child Without Rapunzel Syndrome: Case Report



Norah A. AlSadhan1, Almahaa Alshammari2, Shinas Nellicka3, Mohammad Khairallah4, Yara Algoraini5*

1Emergency Medicine Department, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

2Emergency Medicine Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

3Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

4Pediatric Surgery Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Pediatric Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.

5Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

*Corresponding Author: Yara Algoraini, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAPD.2025.04.007

Received: April 09, 2025

Published: April 24, 2025

Citation: AlSadhan NA, Alshammari A, Nellicka S, Khairallah M, Algoraini Y. Trichobezoar-Induced Intussusception in a Child Without Rapunzel Syndrome: Case Report. SVOA Paediatrics 2025, 4:2, 42-47. doi: 10.58624SVOAPD.2025.04.007

 

Abstract

Introduction: Isolated intestinal trichobezoars without gastric involvement are extremely rare and may present with unusual and challenging complications. Among these, intussusception caused by an intestinal trichobezoar in the absence of classical “Rapunzel syndrome” features is particularly uncommon and seldom reported.

Case Presentation: A 5-year-old girl presented with bilious vomiting and was diagnosed with intussusception due to an intestinal trichobezoar, with no gastric involvement. Early imaging and surgical removal resulted in a full recovery.

Conclusion: This case underscores the potential of trichobezoars to cause intussusception without classical “Rapunzel syndrome” features, highlighting the need for a thorough evaluation in pediatric patients.

Keywords: Intussusception, Trichobezoar, Rapunzel Syndrome, Bowel Obstruction, Case Report