Giant Trichobezoar Extending to the Ileocecal Junction in a 3-Year-Old Female: A Rare Case Report

TL;DR

A 3-year-old child had a rare giant trichobezoar reaching her ileocecal junction, composed of hair and synthetic materials, highlighting unique diagnostic and surgical challenges.

Contribution

This is the youngest reported case of a giant trichobezoar with mixed composition, emphasizing socio-environmental factors and surgical importance.

Findings

The trichobezoar extended to the ileocecal junction and was composed of hair, cotton threads, and synthetic materials.

Contrast-enhanced CT localized the mass to the jejunum, but surgery revealed its full extent.

The case underscores the need for thorough surgical exploration in pediatric trichobezoar cases.

Abstract

This report details a rare case of a 3-year-old female from a low-income laborer family presenting with a giant trichobezoar extending to the ileocecal junction (ICJ), the youngest documented case with mixed composition (hair, cotton threads, and synthetic materials). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) localized the mass to the jejunum, but intraoperative exploration revealed an approximately 145-cm bezoar reaching the ICJ. The case highlights socio-environmental risk factors, diagnostic imaging limitations, and emphasizes the importance of complete surgical exploration in pediatric trichobezoar management.

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