Gastric Trichobezoar Causing Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report

Trichobezoar is an underdiagnosed entity that has to be considered in children and adolescents, especially females, suffering from trichotillomania and trichophagia. Late diagnosis of trichobezoars showed that they cause gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation. A 17-year-old girl patient was admitted with abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding. On abdominal examination, a well-defined mass in the epigastrium and the left upper quadrant was identified. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy identified an enormous trichobezoar, which was later removed by surgery. Misdiagnosed gastric bezoars may cause life-threatening complications. Early detection for trichobezoar requires effective screening of trichotillomania. Psychiatric counseling is important to prevent bezoar recurrence.