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[Acute perforated sigmoid diverticulitis in childhood]
N Hernández-Siverio1, M A Gómez Culebras, H Alvarez-Argüelles
1Departamento de Cirugía, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife.
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of acute sigmoid colon perforation from diverticulitis in a 10-year-old child. This aggressive presentation highlights the potential for severe complications in pediatric patients with diverticulitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Colonic diverticulosis is common in older adults.
- Diverticulitis in younger patients (<40) is often aggressive and complicated.
- Pediatric diverticulitis is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old child presented with acute sigmoid colon perforation due to diverticulitis.
- The patient underwent surgical resection of the sigmoid colon with primary end-to-end anastomosis.
- No similar cases were found in literature for individuals under 20 years of age.
Findings:
- This case represents an extremely rare occurrence of colonic diverticulitis with perforation in a pediatric patient.
- The aggressive nature of diverticulitis in young individuals was evident, necessitating surgical intervention.
- The successful surgical management demonstrates the feasibility of resection and anastomosis in this age group.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering diverticulitis in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in children.
- Suggests that pediatric diverticulitis can present with severe complications, similar to adults.
- Underscores the need for further research into the etiology and management of pediatric colonic diverticulitis.