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Duodenal perforation: an unusual complication of sickle cell anemia
Can Acıpayam1, Güliz Aldıç2, Bülent Akçora3
1Mustafa Kemal University, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hatay, Turkey.
Insights
Childhood duodenal perforation is rare and life-threatening without surgery. This case highlights a unique instance of duodenal perforation in a patient with sickle cell anemia, a previously unreported association.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
Background:
- Duodenal perforation in children is uncommon, with high mortality if not surgically managed.
- Primary perforations often link to peptic ulcers and Helicobacter pylori; secondary perforations can indicate underlying conditions like Crohn disease, cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell anemia.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old boy presented with acute abdominal and back pain, leading to a diagnosis of duodenal perforation post-surgery.
- Helicobacter pylori was negative, and no risk factors were identified except for sickle cell anemia.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention for the duodenal perforation was successful with no major complications.
- This case represents the first documented instance of duodenal perforation in a patient with sickle cell anemia.
Implications:
- Duodenal perforation is a rare but significant complication that can occur in patients with sickle cell anemia.
- This finding expands the known spectrum of gastrointestinal complications associated with sickle cell anemia.
Abstract:
Duodenal perforation in childhood is a rare condition with a high mortality rate if not treated surgically. Primary gastroduodenal perforation is frequently associated with peptic ulcer and exhibits a positive family history. Helicobacter pylorus is the most significant agent. Secondary gastroduodenal perforation may be a finding of specific diseases, such as Crohn disease, or more rarely may be associated with diseases such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. A 14-year-old boy presented with abdominal and back pain. The patient was operated on for acute abdomen and diagnosed with duodenal perforation. Helicobacter pylorus was negative. There was no risk factor to account for duodenal perforation other than sickle cell anemia. Surgical intervention was successful and without significant sequelae. Duodenal perforation is a rare entity described in patients with sickle cell anemia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of duodenal perforation in a patient sickle cell anemia.
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