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Abnormal computed tomography findings among children with viral gastroenteritis and symptoms mimicking acute

Hitoshi Tajiri1, Yuki Kiyohara, Tomoyuki Tanaka

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Osaka General Medical Center, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8558 Japan. tajiriji@gh.pref.osaka.jp

Pediatric Emergency Care
|August 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Computed tomography (CT) revealed small intestine changes in children with viral gastroenteritis presenting as acute abdomen. These CT findings aid in diagnosing viral gastroenteritis and preventing unnecessary surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Viral gastroenteritis is a common cause of acute abdominal symptoms in children.
  • Distinguishing viral gastroenteritis from surgical emergencies like appendicitis can be challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate computed tomography (CT) findings in pediatric patients with viral gastroenteritis who presented with clinical features of acute abdomen.
  • To identify imaging features that can help differentiate viral gastroenteritis from surgical acute abdomen.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 302 children admitted for acute gastrointestinal symptoms over two viral gastroenteritis seasons.
  • Stool samples analyzed for viral pathogens (norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus) using RT-PCR.
  • Abdominal CT scans performed on 5 patients with confirmed viral gastroenteritis and suspected acute abdomen.

Main Results:

  • Norovirus was detected in 44 patients, rotavirus in 34, and adenovirus in 1.
  • CT scans in 5 patients with viral gastroenteritis showed small intestine wall thickening and fluid-filled loops.
  • No significant pathological findings were observed in the stomach, appendix, or colon on CT.

Conclusions:

  • CT can demonstrate specific anatomical changes in the small intestine in pediatric viral gastroenteritis presenting as acute abdomen.
  • These CT findings may assist in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, potentially avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions.
Abstract

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