ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A paracondylar process is an abnormal bony exostosis arising from the skull base lateral to the occipital condyle and extending inferiorly toward the transverse process of the atlas. Paracondylar processes are typically identified incidentally and vary in size from a small protuberance to an elongated process. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present the first pediatric case of torticollis secondary to a congenital paracondylar process successfully treated with resection of the paracondylar process and sternocleidomastoid release. LESSONS: Cadaveric dissection, three-dimensional models, intraoperative imaging guidance, and multidisciplinary collaboration were paramount to a successful surgical outcome. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2447.
ABSTRACT
A trichobezoar is a rare cause of abdominal pain due to an indigestible mass in the gastrointestinal tract that is composed of a patient's hair. If a trichobezoar grows and extends from the gastric body to the pylorus and into the small bowel, it is considered Rapunzel syndrome. We present a case of an 11-year-old female patient with Rapunzel syndrome who presented with four weeks of colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and severe malnutrition. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with 3D rendering demonstrated a large bezoar, and the patient was successfully treated with exploratory laparotomy, gastrostomy, and removal of the trichobezoar intact.
