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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
[Diagnostic image (265). A toddler with progressive abdominal pain after a car accident]
1Kinderchirurgisch Centrum Amsterdam, locatie VU Medisch Centrum, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam. j.labohm@vumc.nl
Insights
A seatbelt sign on a young boy's abdomen after a car accident indicated a jejunal perforation. This case highlights the importance of recognizing seatbelt injuries in pediatric trauma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Abdominal Trauma
Background:
- Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of pediatric injury.
- Seatbelt use is crucial for safety but can cause internal injuries.
- Abdominal trauma in children requires prompt diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A 2.5-year-old boy sustained abdominal trauma in a car accident.
- A distinct seatbelt sign was noted on his right lower abdomen.
- The patient presented with signs consistent with intra-abdominal injury.
Findings:
- The seatbelt sign was indicative of a jejunal perforation.
- This suggests a direct link between external pressure from the seatbelt and the internal injury.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through surgical exploration.
Implications:
- Seatbelt signs in pediatric trauma patients warrant thorough investigation for intra-abdominal injuries.
- Early recognition and surgical intervention are critical for favorable outcomes.
- This case underscores the potential for seatbelt-related gastrointestinal injuries in children.
Abstract:
A 2.5-year-old boy who was caught in a car accident had a seatbelt-sign on his right lower abdomen and a jejunal perforation.
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