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Published on: October 29, 2014
Recurrent intussusception in a 4-year-old male
Judith A Kaufmann1, Denise Ramponi
1School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Robert Morris University, Moon Township, Pennsylvania.
Insights
Acute abdominal pain in children requires prompt diagnosis. This case highlights intussusception, a serious condition in a 4-year-old, emphasizing the need for timely and accurate management of pediatric abdominal emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acute abdominal pain is a frequent emergency department presentation in children.
- Etiologies range from benign to life-threatening, necessitating accurate and swift diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old boy presented with symptoms indicative of intussusception.
- Intussusception can manifest with varied severity, from mild symptoms to acute illness with severe pain, lethargy, dehydration, and shock.
Findings:
- Intussusception is a serious pediatric disorder with potentially fatal outcomes.
- Diagnosis of intussusception can be clinically challenging.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of a thorough diagnostic workup for pediatric abdominal pain.
- Effective management and follow-up protocols are crucial for improving outcomes in children with intussusception.
Abstract:
Acute abdominal pain in children is a common complaint in the emergency department. The etiology of abdominal pain in children can range from benign to life-threatening, and the clinical diagnosis and treatment must be timely and accurate. This case describes a 4-year-old boy with intussusception, a serious disorder with the potential for life-threatening consequences. Children with intussusception may be relatively asymptomatic or present as an acutely ill child with severe abdominal pain, lethargy, dehydration, and shock. Diagnosing intussusception may be very challenging. The purpose of this article is to discuss the pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, management, and follow-up of abdominal pain in a child.
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