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Spontaneous gastric rupture in non-neonatal children: a case report

F Libeer1, N Vanhamel, M Huyghe

  • 1Department of Surgery, Sint-Augustinus, Wilrijk, Belgium. flibeer@skynet.be

Acta Chirurgica Belgica
|December 14, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of idiopathic gastric rupture in a young child is presented. This life-threatening condition required emergency surgery and intensive care, highlighting a critical pediatric surgical emergency.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • Idiopathic gastric rupture is an extremely rare condition in children.
  • Spontaneous gastric perforation is poorly documented in Western literature, predominantly in Asian publications.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old girl presented with nausea and vomiting post-large meal.
  • Imaging revealed free air and fluid, indicating gastro-intestinal perforation.
  • Emergency surgery identified gastric rupture on the anterior gastric wall.

Findings:

  • The gastric rupture was treated with sleeve gastrectomy.
  • The patient experienced intra-operative cardiac arrest but survived after intensive care.
  • This case represents a rare occurrence of idiopathic gastric rupture in a pre-school child.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of rare pediatric surgical emergencies.
  • Highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention in suspected gastro-intestinal perforation.
  • Suggests a need for increased awareness and reporting of such cases in global literature.

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