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Celiac disease presenting as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction
Reva Matta1, Elie Aramouni, Pierre Mouawad
1Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon. mattareva@gmail.com
Le Journal Medical Libanais. the Lebanese Medical Journal
|August 28, 2012
Summary
Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in children is rare. This case highlights celiac disease as an unusual cause, emphasizing prompt diagnosis and conservative management for abdominal distention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Background:
- Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is uncommon in pediatric populations.
- ACPO necessitates conservative management and etiological investigation.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old girl presented with acute abdominal distention without a clear cause.
- Celiac disease was suspected based on clinical presentation.
Findings:
- Intestinal biopsy confirmed celiac disease as the underlying etiology for ACPO.
- This presentation of celiac disease is unusual in children.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering celiac disease in pediatric ACPO cases.
- Suggests management strategies to avoid aggressive interventions for this condition.
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