Perforated gastric ulcer: An unusual cause of peritonitis in children

Abdelouhab Ammor1, Siham Nasri2, Maria Rkain3

  • 1Department of Visceral and Urological Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Center of Oujda, Oujda, Morocco.

Insights

Perforated gastric ulcers are a rare but serious cause of peritonitis in children. Early diagnosis and surgical repair are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric acute abdomen cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Perforated gastric ulcer is an uncommon cause of peritonitis in pediatric patients.
  • This condition represents a surgical emergency that can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized.

Observation:

  • A case of a 12-year-old girl presenting with acute abdominal pain and peritonitis is described.
  • Surgical exploration revealed a gastric perforation in the antrum, which was surgically repaired.

Findings:

  • The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful.
  • Helicobacter pylori testing was negative, and histopathology did not isolate H. pylori.

Implications:

  • Pediatric gastro-duodenal ulcer perforation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in children.
  • Pneumoperitoneum on imaging warrants consideration of this rare but critical diagnosis.

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