All issues > Volume 52(10); 2009

Case Report

Korean J Pediatr. 2009;52(10):1167-1170. Published online October 15, 2009.

A case of gastric trichobezoar causing psychiatric problems

Ji Young JY Seo¹, Min Young MY Kim¹, Jae Ho JH Noh¹, Chun Dong CD Kim¹, Jae Ock JO Park², Gyo Chang GC Choi³

¹Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Gumi, Korea
²Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
³Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Gumi, Korea

Abstract

Trichobezoar is characterized by the accumulation of hair in the gastrointestinal tract and usually occurs in those who have trichotillomania, other psychiatric disorders, or neurologic problems. Trichobezoar typically presents as gastric obstruction, including abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss. A 9-year-old girl visited our clinic with the complaint of abdominal discomfort and vomiting. A review of her medical history revealed that she had trichophagia since the age of 5, and she felt that her parents had been strict with her. She underwent gastrotomy, during which a large trichobezoar was removed. This case highlights the importance of psychiatric and comprehensive approaches in patients with trichobezoar.

Keywords :Trichobezoar, Trichophagia, Psychiatric problem