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Duodenal perforation in a 12-month old child with severe malaria

Nina Goldman1, Damien Punguyire, Kingsley Osei-Kwakye

  • 1University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK.

The Pan African Medical Journal
|July 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is rare in infants and can be challenging to diagnose. This case highlights a perforated duodenal ulcer in a 12-month-old, initially masked by malaria symptoms, emphasizing the need for early PUD consideration in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Case Reports

Background:

  • Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is uncommon in infants and often presents with complications due to diagnostic challenges.
  • Malaria can present with febrile symptoms that may obscure the diagnosis of other serious conditions in children.

Observation:

  • A 12-month-old infant presented with symptoms suggestive of a perforated duodenal ulcer.
  • The child's febrile presentation and confirmed malaria diagnosis initially delayed the recognition of PUD.
  • Surgical intervention was required to address the perforated duodenal ulcer.

Findings:

  • The perforated duodenal ulcer in this infant was associated with malaria.
  • Successful surgical management of the perforated duodenal ulcer was achieved without significant complications.
  • Malaria symptoms can mimic or mask the presentation of PUD in pediatric patients.

Implications:

  • Increased clinical suspicion and a lower threshold for investigating PUD in children presenting with non-specific symptoms are crucial.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention for PUD in pediatric patients can prevent severe complications.
  • Recognizing potential co-existing conditions, such as malaria, is vital for timely PUD diagnosis in infants.

Keywords:
Peptic ulcer diseasechildrenintestinal perforationmalaria

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