Gastric trichobezoar: case report and literature review.

Phillips, M R; Zaheer, S; Drugas, G T · Mayo Clin Proc · 1998

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Bezoars are conglomerates of food or fiber in the alimentary tract of humans and certain animals, mainly ruminants. In adults, bezoars are most frequently encountered after a gastric operation, but in children, bezoars are associated with pica, mental retardation, and coexistent psychiatric pathologic disorders. We describe a 4-year-old girl with trichotillomania in whom a gastric trichobezoar resulted in failure to gain weight, iron deficiency anemia, and a painless epigastric mass. The causes of gastric bezoars are discussed, with emphasis on diagnostic considerations, treatment options, and preventive measures.

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