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Acute gastric dilatation in neglected children
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|February 1, 1978
Insights
Parental neglect leading to dwarfism can cause acute gastric dilatation in children. This condition results from chronic starvation combined with large meals, detectable via radiography.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Child Psychology
- Radiology
Background:
- Deprivational dwarfism is a severe growth disorder linked to chronic malnutrition and neglect.
- Acute gastric dilatation is a rare but serious condition involving stomach distension.
Observation:
- Five cases of acute gastric dilatation were observed in children with deprivational dwarfism.
- These children presented after consuming large meals.
Findings:
- The pathogenesis involves structural and functional stomach changes from chronic starvation, exacerbated by acute food intake.
- Radiographic findings of gastric dilatation in non-postoperative, non-intoxicated children suggest underlying neglect.
Implications:
- Radiography is crucial for identifying acute gastric dilatation in at-risk children.
- This highlights the need for early detection and intervention in cases of child neglect and malnutrition.
- Recognizing this link can improve diagnostic pathways for pediatric gastrointestinal emergencies.
Abstract:
Acute gastric dilatation occurred in five children suffering from parental neglect of deprivational dwarfism. Pathogenesis of acute gastric atony in the deprived child is related to structural and functional changes in the stomach due to chronic starvation, and the acute ingestion of a large meal. Radiographic recognition of acute gastric dilatation in a child who is not postoperative or intoxicated should suggest the presence of chronic starvation and child neglect.