Intragastric foreign body: Giant trichobezoar

Clinical case

A 28-year-old woman was referred from her health centre for laboratory alterations during routine check-ups, which revealed significant anaemia (Hb 4.2 g/dL), iron deficiency, vitamin D and B12 deficiency.

In the anamnesis, the patient only reported some heartburn and admitted occasional ingestion of hair. Examination revealed a depressible abdomen without pain or distension, but with a well-defined mass effect in the mesogastrium.

Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed a gastric bezoar (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

CT scan of abdomen, coronal projection.

Endoscopic extraction was attempted without success, so gastrotomy and extraction of the trichobezoar was performed (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2.

Extraction of bezoar through gastrotomy.