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Intraperitoneal bladder rupture as an isolated manifestation of nonaccidental trauma in a child
Timothy Lautz1, Dan Leonhardt, Erin Rowell
1From the Children's Memorial Hospital, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
Insights
Nonaccidental trauma can cause serious childhood injuries. This case highlights a rare instance of intraperitoneal bladder rupture in a child due to blunt abdominal trauma, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Child Abuse
Background:
- Nonaccidental trauma is a critical factor in pediatric morbidity and mortality.
- Blunt abdominal trauma in children can lead to severe internal injuries.
- Intraperitoneal bladder rupture is a rare but serious consequence of abdominal trauma.
Observation:
- A child presented with symptoms of an acute abdomen, gross hematuria, and azotemia.
- Computed tomography revealed free intraperitoneal fluid, indicative of internal injury.
- The injury mechanism involved blunt force to the abdomen while the child had a full bladder.
Findings:
- Emergency exploratory laparotomy confirmed a rupture at the dome of the bladder.
- This case represents the fourth reported instance of bladder rupture due to nonaccidental trauma in a child.
- The diagnostic findings were consistent with significant intra-abdominal injury.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering nonaccidental trauma in the differential diagnosis of pediatric abdominal injuries.
- Early recognition and surgical intervention are crucial for managing intraperitoneal bladder rupture.
- Increased awareness among healthcare providers can improve outcomes for child abuse victims.
Abstract:
Nonaccidental trauma is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. We describe a case of a child who presented with intraperitoneal bladder rupture after sustaining blunt abdominal trauma. As per confession, the injury was apparently the result of the child being forcibly pulled into her caretaker's knee while the child had a full bladder. Diagnostic findings included an acute abdomen, gross hematuria, azotemia, and free intraperitoneal fluid visualized on computed tomography. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed rupture at the dome of the bladder. Bladder rupture as a result of nonaccidental trauma has been reported in 3 previous cases.
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