A hair tourniquet resulting in strangulation and amputation of the clitoris.

Abstract

Hair tourniquet syndrome involves fibers of hair or thread wrapped around an appendage producing tissue necrosis. Appendages commonly involved include the toe, finger, and penis. We report a hair tourniquet resulting in amputation of the clitoris. An adolescent presented with a 4-year history of intermittent genital pain that increased in severity over the preceding 5 days. Physical examination revealed a necrotic clitoris surrounded by a black hair. During the examination, the tissue fell off resulting in immediate improvement in the patient's pain. We report a case of a clitoral hair tourniquet syndrome leading to autoamputation of the clitoris. A high index of suspicion for this condition is important because of the potential consequences of delayed treatment.