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An abdominal mass in a 4-year-old child

Heather Counsell1

  • 1Department of Accident & Emergency Medicine, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK. heathercounsell@hotmail.com

BMJ Case Reports
|August 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A rapidly enlarging abdominal mass in a child was diagnosed as an infected intramuscular hematoma. Prompt surgical drainage and antibiotics resolved the condition, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis in pediatric emergencies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Abdominal wall masses in children can present diagnostic challenges.
  • Rapid enlargement necessitates prompt medical evaluation.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old boy presented with a rapidly growing abdominal wall mass.
  • Initial management was delayed due to diagnostic uncertainty.

Findings:

  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan confirmed an infected intramuscular hematoma.
  • The hematoma originated from the right abdominal oblique muscles.
  • The mass was large enough to cause medial displacement of the liver.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing abdominal masses.
  • Prompt surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing infected hematomas.
  • Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are vital for favorable pediatric outcomes.

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