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[Post-traumatic hepatic abscess in a 5-year old girl]
D Przybyszewska1, T Kołcun-Penkowska
1Oddziału Wewnetrznego IV. Specjalistycznego Zespołu Opieki Zdrowotnej nad Matka i Dzieckiem, Olsztynie.
Insights
A pediatric hepatic abscess, likely post-traumatic, was diagnosed in a 5-year-old girl after initial misdiagnosis. Surgical drainage led to a full recovery, highlighting the importance of thorough evaluation for abdominal infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with symptoms suggestive of severe infection, including fever, malaise, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
- Initial treatment focused on presumed sepsis of unknown origin with intensive antibiotics, but clinical improvement was lacking.
Observation:
- Persistent signs of generalized infection despite broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy prompted further investigation.
- Repeated ultrasonography (USG) examinations and detailed history collection were crucial in identifying the underlying cause.
- The child's deteriorating condition underscored the need for accurate diagnosis beyond initial assumptions.
Findings:
- A hepatic abscess, suspected to be post-traumatic, was confirmed as the source of the prolonged infection.
- Surgical intervention involving external drainage of the abscess was performed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic challenges in pediatric abdominal infections and the potential for post-traumatic hepatic abscesses.
- Effective management relies on advanced imaging techniques and comprehensive clinical assessment when initial treatments fail.
- Prompt surgical drainage of hepatic abscesses is critical for successful patient outcomes in pediatric cases.
Abstract:
A case is presented of hepatic abscess probably of post-traumatic in a 5-year-old girl. The child was admitted to the hospital with high fever, decreased well being, abdominal pain, and vomiting. A preliminary diagnosis was made of septicaemia of unknown origin. During many days of observation the serous general condition with evidence of generalized infection persisted in spite of intensive antibiotic treatment. The correct diagnosis was made only after several USG examinations and completion of history data. A surgical operation with external drainage of the hepatic abscess resulted in complete cure.