An unknown abdominal mass in the pediatric population – Rapunzel syndrome

Abstract

The Rapunzel syndrome is a rare condition, a term also used for a trichobezoar that presents a tail to the duodenum and/or jejunum through the pylorus. This is caused by a “hairy ball” within the stomach, leading to gastric outlet obstruction. We present a case of an 11-year old child with abdominal pain and vomiting episodes, with an abdominal mass depicted at physical examination, whose imaging findings were compatible with this condition, posteriorly with surgical confirmation.