Fatal case of Rapunzel syndrome in neglected child.

Full Abstract

Rapunzel syndrome is very extreme form of trichobezoar formation where the tail of the trichobezoar extends from the stomach into the small intestine. Death resulting from this condition is rare and is usually associated with gastric or intestinal perforation. We report a fatal case of Rapunzel syndrome in a 3 years and 10 months old girl. Review of the literature indicates that this case involves the youngest child to have died from this syndrome. Furthermore, this case is unique due to the clear association with the parent's neglect with failure to provide the child with adequate health care.

Author information

Author/s: Mateju, Eva (E); Duchanová, Svatava (S); Kovac, Peter (P); Moravanský, Norbert (N); Spitz, Daniel J (DJ);

Affiliation: Institute of Forensic Medicine, St. Anne's University Hospital, Tvrdého 2a, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; Journal Article

Journal: Forensic science international (Forensic Sci Int), published in Ireland. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 190 (issue 1-3) : pp e5-7

Dates: Created 2009/07/27; Completed 2009/10/29;

PMID: 19505779, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/29/2009, IMS Date: )

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