Segmental obstructing acute jejunitis in a child

Gastroenterology
|July 1, 1977
PubMed

Insights

Acute enteritis, typically affecting the ileum, was observed in the jejunum of a young girl. Surgical intervention led to a full recovery, suggesting jejunal involvement is treatable.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Acute localized enteritis commonly affects the terminal ileum in both adults and children.
  • The typical presentation involves inflammation of the ileocecal region.

Observation:

  • A case of acute enteritis was identified, uniquely confined to the jejunum.
  • The patient was a 3 1/2-year-old girl experiencing partial upper intestinal obstruction.

Findings:

  • Surgical biopsy of the affected jejunal segment revealed acute inflammatory changes within the mucosa.
  • Severe edema was noted in the submucosa of the jejunum.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known anatomical distribution of acute enteritis to include the jejunum.
  • Surgical resection of the affected jejunal segment resulted in prompt and sustained recovery.
  • Highlights the potential for jejunal acute enteritis as a cause of intestinal obstruction in children.

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