Related Experiment Videos
[Acute pancreatitis secondary to typhoid fever in a preschool child]
R Yacaman-Handal1, G Flores-Nava, E Escobedo-Chávez
1Departamento de Pediatría, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Calz de Tlalpan 4800 Col. Toriello Guerra Deleg, Tlalpan México DF, CP 14000.
Insights
This case report details a four-year-old child experiencing acute pancreatitis alongside typhoid fever. The study highlights this rare association in a young patient, offering insights into potential causes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition in children.
- Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a significant global health concern.
Observation:
- A four-year-old child presented with symptoms of acute abdomen and fever.
- Post-laparotomy, the child developed persistent abdominal pain and fever, leading to the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.
- Blood and stool cultures confirmed Salmonella Typhi infection.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a rare association between acute pancreatitis and typhoid fever in a pediatric patient.
- This represents the youngest reported case of this specific co-occurrence in medical literature.
- Treatment involved supportive care for pancreatitis and antibiotics for typhoid fever.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of typhoid fever complications.
- Understanding the pathophysiology of this association is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking Salmonella Typhi and pancreatitis is warranted.
Introduction:
A case of child with acute pancreatitis associated with typhoid fever is reported herein.
Case Report:
A four years old child was admitted to the pediatric emergency room with an acute abdomen and fever. He was submitted to a diagnostic laparotomy and mesenteric adenitis was the only finding. During the postoperative period, he persisted with abdominal pain and fever. Laboratory studies and abdominal ultrasonography revealed an acute pancreatitis. Also, Salmonella typhi was isolated from blood and stool cultures. Treatment for pancreatitis included nasogastric catheter and total parenteral nutrition. Typhoid fever was treated with ampicillin. Thereafter, his clinical course was uneventful and he was discharged 13 days after being admitted.
Conclusions:
Acute pancreatitis has been associated with typhoid fever. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest patient reported in the literature with this association. Possible pathophysiologic mechanisms are reviewed.