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Published on: August 4, 2023
Vomiting and Dehydration in a 2-Year-Old
Katherine Edmunds1, Juan Gurria2, George Koberlein3,4
1Divisions of Emergency Medicine and katherine.edmunds@cchmc.org.
Insights
A pediatric case highlights unusual symptoms including vomiting and bradycardia in a 2-year-old. Imaging revealed findings concerning for appendicitis, leading to surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- A 2-year-old girl with a history of cutaneous mastocytosis and eczema presented with acute symptoms.
- Initial presentation included vomiting, bradycardia, and listlessness, prompting evaluation for dehydration.
Observation:
- Despite fluid rehydration, the patient exhibited persistent bradycardia and decreased energy.
- Diagnostic workup included electrocardiogram, laboratory tests, abdominal radiography, and computed tomography scan of the head.
- Abdominal ultrasound revealed a blind-ending tubular structure with free fluid, raising suspicion for appendicitis.
Findings:
- Sinus bradycardia was noted on electrocardiogram.
- Laboratory results and glucose levels were within normal limits.
- Abdominal imaging suggested appendicitis, prompting surgical consultation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering appendicitis in pediatric patients presenting with atypical symptoms.
- Early and accurate diagnosis through imaging is crucial for timely surgical management.
- Understanding the differential diagnosis in pediatric emergencies is vital for effective patient care.
Abstract:
A 2-year-old girl with a past medical history of cutaneous mastocytosis and eczema presented with 1 day of yellow-green, nonbloody vomiting, bradycardia, and listlessness. She was evaluated by her pediatrician and sent to the emergency department because of concern for dehydration. In the emergency department, she improved with fluid rehydration but still had decreased energy and bradycardia. Her electrocardiogram revealed sinus bradycardia, and laboratory results did not reveal any electrolyte abnormalities. Glucose levels were normal. An abdominal radiograph revealed a moderate-to-large stool burden, and the results of a computed tomography scan of the head were normal. An abdominal ultrasound was obtained to evaluate for intussusception. The ultrasound revealed a blind-ending tubular structure in the right-lower quadrant with adjacent free fluid, which was concerning for appendicitis. The patient was admitted to the surgical service for further management and was taken to the operating room, where a definitive diagnosis was made.
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