Rapunzel Syndrome Complicated by Escherichia coli Sepsis, Bowel Perforation, and Pancreatitis in an 11-year-old Malnourished Female

Authors

Rhea Daniel
Mary Arbuthnot
Srinivas Ramireddy
Supriya Nair

Publication Date

2-1-2022

Journal

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Abstract

The most common presenting symptoms of Rapunzel syndrome include abdominal pain (37%), nausea and vomiting (33.3%), obstruction (25.9%), and peritonitis (18.3%). Less commonly, patients may present with weight loss (7.4%) or intussusception (7.4%). Exceedingly rare complications of Rapunzel syndrome include gastric ulceration, obstructive jaundice, and acute pancreatitis as well as other malabsorptive-related complications including protein-losing enteropathy, iron deficiency, and megaloblastic anemia. This report details the case of an 11-year-old female with Rapunzel syndrome complicated by sepsis, a rare complication reported in only 2% of patients.

Keywords

Rapunzel syndrome, trichobezoar, sepsis, pancreatitis