What is beyond Salmonella gastroenteritis? A case of acute pancreatitis complicating Salmonella infection in a child: a case report and literature review

BMC Pediatr. 2021 Aug 17;21(1):353. doi: 10.1186/s12887-021-02814-w.

Abstract

Background: Salmonella infection presents itself in a wide variety of ways, ranging from mild self-limited illness to severe systemic disease with multiorgan involvement. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a very rare complication that is associated with Salmonella infection, especially among the pediatric population.

Case presentation: A five-year-old boy presented with a two-day fever and experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The boy was admitted as a case of acute gastroenteritis, and Salmonella was found in his stool culture. The severity of his abdominal pain during his hospital stay indicated the possibility of AP. A clinical examination and blood workup were performed and showed significant elevation in amylase and lipase, which confirmed the diagnosis of AP.

Conclusion: Although abdominal pain is a common presentation of Salmonella infection, the possibility of AP must be considered when the pain is severe and the characteristics of the pain are suggestive of AP. Herein, we report a case of AP complicating Salmonella infection in an immunocompetent child.

Keywords: Amylase; Lipase; Pancreatitis; Salmonella gastroenteritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Amylases
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Gastroenteritis* / complications
  • Gastroenteritis* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pancreatitis* / complications
  • Pancreatitis* / diagnosis
  • Salmonella Infections* / complications
  • Salmonella Infections* / diagnosis
  • Salmonella Infections* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Amylases