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Infant botulism mimicking Hirschprung's disease
Eamon B O'Reilly1, Brian Montenegro, John Arnold
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA 92134-1005, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|October 27, 2009
Insights
Infant botulism can cause colonic ileus, mimicking Hirschsprung
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Neurology
Background:
- Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition causing intestinal obstruction.
- Infant botulism is a rare neuromuscular disorder caused by toxins from Clostridium botulinum.
Observation:
- A case of infant botulism presented with primary colonic ileus.
- The clinical presentation mimicked Hirschsprung's megacolon.
Findings:
- Infant botulism can manifest as colonic ileus.
- Constipation and neurological abnormalities in infants warrant consideration of botulism.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of infant botulism is crucial for timely intervention.
- Broadening the differential diagnosis for neonatal constipation is important.
Abstract:
We report a case of infant botulism presenting as primary colonic ileus--mimicking Hirschprung's megacolon. Infant botulism should be considered in any infant with constipation and neurologic abnormalities.
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