Stricture of the duodenum and jejunum in an abused child

Pediatr Radiol. 1997 Mar;27(3):281-3. doi: 10.1007/s002470050125.

Abstract

We report a case of abdominal injury secondary to child abuse in which the child had both a duodenal hematoma and contained perforations of the duodenum and proximal jejunum. These injuries were evaluated by both CT scan and upper gastrointestinal (GI) series. The child's nausea and vomiting persisted despite conservative treatment; after 3 weeks a repeat upper GI series demonstrated high-grade duodenal obstruction. An exploratory laparotomy was performed and a calcified, fibrotic mesentery and strictures in the distal duodenum and proximal jejunum were found. To our knowledge, this unusual complication of blunt abdominal trauma has not been described in association with child abuse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Injuries / complications*
  • Child Abuse*
  • Duodenal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Duodenal Obstruction / etiology
  • Hematoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Perforation / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology
  • Jejunal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Jejunal Diseases / etiology
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications*