Objective:

To describe the case of a school-age patient with Rapunzel syndrome, given that it is a rare condition in this age-group and that there are few cases reported in Latin America.

Case report:

A 6-year-old female patient with a history of trichotillomania and trichophagia, with recurrent abdominal pain and malnutrition. The physical examination revealed alopecia and indurated and well-defined abdominal mass. By ultrasound and endoscopy a large gastroduodenal trichobezoar was found, so the diagnosis of Rapunzel syndrome was made. The trichobezoar was removed by laparotomy, and the patient was subsequently maintained with psychiatric treatment.

Conclusions:

Rapunzel syndrome is uncommon in pediatric age, requiring a high index of suspicion for its diagnosis. Management must be multidisciplinary.