Extra-luminal Air Fluid Level on Abdominal X-ray of a Patient with Isolated Jejunal Blow Out: Case report

Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2012 May;12(2):221-4. doi: 10.12816/0003116. Epub 2012 Apr 9.

Abstract

Patients with trivial blunt abdominal trauma may present with isolated jejunal blow out (IJBO). A high index of suspicion is required as delayed presentation or delayed diagnosis may increase morbidity. Presentation with frank perforation peritonitis can be diagnosed by abdominal X-rays. We report the case of a patient who presented with features of peritonitis 10 days after being injured by a knee kick trauma. An erect abdominal X-ray showed extraluminal air-fluid levels, suggesting a hollow viscous injury which on exploration was found to be IJBO.

Keywords: Blunt trauma; Case report; Delayed diagnosis; Intestinal perforation; Jejunum; Pakistan; Peritonitis.