Trichobezoar with duodenal perforation: a rare occurrence

Abstract

Trichobezoar is an intraluminal mass formed from the accumulation of undigested hair. It is a rare condition that is typically seen in young females with trichophagia and trichotillomania. When not recognized, it may present with complications such as obstruction, ulceration and in some rare cases, perforation. While most trichobezoar perforations are located in the stomach, however, duodenal perforation has not been reported before. We report a case of a 13-year-old girl who presented to the emergency with signs and symptoms of peritonitis and perforated viscus. Radiological investigation revealed a large heterogenous intraluminal mass with mottled gas pattern suspicious of bezoar. Oral contrast was seen tracking from the gastric pylorus into the peritoneum suggestive of a perforation. The girl was brought to theatre for emergency laparotomy and a trichobezoar was found extending from the stomach down to the level of D1. There is a perforation in D1 on its antero-superior surface measuring 1×1 cm. The bezoar was removed via a gastrostomy and the perforation was primarily repaired and patched with omentum. Post operatively, her recovery was complicated with wound breakdown and was subsequently discharged after 1.5 months of hospitalization with outpatient referral for psychiatry consults.