DUODENAL PERFORATION IN CHILDREN - CASE REPORT
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Abstract
Duodenal perforation is a rare surgical emergency in children. Clinical manifestations are often atypical, which may lead to missed or delayed diagnosis. If not promptly managed, the condition can be life-threatening. We report a case of duodenal perforation secondary to peptic ulcer disease resulting in generalized peritonitis in a pediatric patient with non-specific clinical features. A 9-year-old boy was admitted on an emergency basis with vomiting and abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a small amount of free intraperitoneal fluid and raised suspicion of appendicitis. A routine preoperative chest radiograph incidentally demonstrated subdiaphragmatic free air (pneumoperitoneum). The patient subsequently underwent laparoscopic exploration, which identified a perforated duodenal ulcer.
Conclusion: Duodenal ulcer perforation is a rare cause of acute vomiting and abdominal pain in children, and its diagnosis requires the support of specific paraclinical investigations.
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Keywords
Duodenal perforation, duodenal ulcer, children
References
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