Omental liposarcoma presenting as chronic constipation

Jimmy L Hightower1, Daniel J Dire

  • 1From the *Department of Emergency Medicine, The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium; and †Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX.

Insights

A rare myxoid liposarcoma presented as chronic constipation and abdominal pain in an 11-year-old boy. This pediatric abdominal mass is an unusual cause of prolonged constipation symptoms requiring emergency department evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Constipation is a frequent reason for pediatric abdominal pain presentations in emergency departments.
  • Chronic constipation can significantly impact a child's quality of life and warrants thorough investigation.

Observation:

  • An 11-year-old boy presented with a four-month history of chronic constipation and abdominal pain.
  • Physical examination revealed a large abdominal mass.

Findings:

  • The abdominal mass was diagnosed as a myxoid liposarcoma.
  • Literature review found no prior reports of this specific tumor type presenting as chronic constipation in pediatric emergency settings.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric abdominal pain, even with seemingly common symptoms.
  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for underlying masses in cases of persistent pediatric constipation.
  • Further research into unusual presentations of pediatric tumors is warranted.

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