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Gastroduodenal emphysema
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA 92868, USA.
Insights
Pneumatosis intestinalis, a rare finding in the foregut, can indicate emphysematous gastritis or gastric emphysema. This case highlights gastroduodenal pneumatosis in an infant with Down's syndrome due to partial duodenal obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pneumatosis intestinalis of the foregut is exceptionally rare.
- It can manifest as emphysematous gastritis or gastric emphysema.
- Gastric emphysema is often linked to proximal foregut obstruction and elevated intragastric pressure.
Observation:
- A case of gastroduodenal pneumatosis was observed.
- The patient was an infant diagnosed with Down's syndrome.
- The condition was associated with partial duodenal obstruction.
Findings:
- The study presents a rare case of gastroduodenal pneumatosis.
- This specific instance was attributed to partial duodenal obstruction in an infant.
- The findings underscore a potential complication in infants with Down's syndrome.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare gastrointestinal conditions in infants.
- It suggests that partial duodenal obstruction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of foregut pneumatosis, especially in infants with Down's syndrome.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms and prevalence of this association.
Abstract:
Pneumatosis intestinalis of the foregut is a very rare finding. It may represent emphysematous gastritis secondary to inflammatory conditions or gastric emphysema secondary to proximal foregut obstruction and high intragastric pressure. We present a case of gastroduodenal pneumatosis secondary to partial duodenal obstruction in an infant with Down's syndrome.
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