Delayed diagnosis of trichobezoar in a patient with presumed anorexia nervosa

Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2015 Aug;27(3):349-52. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2014-0022.

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa is a medical and psychological disorder classically seen in young women who present with significant weight loss, a distorted body image, and an intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight. A rare diagnosis that is also associated with weight loss is a trichobezoar, a collection of hair or hair-like fibers in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the stomach. In this report, we present the case of a 14.5-year-old girl with weight loss caused by a trichobezoar, initially thought to be due to anorexia nervosa, and we review the details of both disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anorexia Nervosa / complications*
  • Bezoars / complications*
  • Bezoars / diagnosis*
  • Bezoars / diagnostic imaging
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Radiography
  • Weight Loss