Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis: a rare pathology in children

Abstract

Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis (ELP) is a rare pathology, usually seen in the adult population. The condition affects the venous vasculature of the intestine sparing the arteries and lymphatics. It is commonly identified histologically after surgical resection making the preoperative diagnosis a clinical challenge. As the condition can lead to intestinal ischaemia and necrosis, surgical resection of the affected segment is the treatment of choice. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who presented with a 2-day history of lower abdominal pain and anorexia. The initial diagnosis of appendicitis was made clinically and the patient underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy . The appendix was macroscopically normal and there were no other obvious intra-abdominal pathologies to account for her presenting complaints . The appendix was removed, as per the preoperative discussion and consent from parents. She recovered well and was discharged home the following day. The histological examination of the appendix demonstrated ELP. We describe this rare clinical entity in a child especially in view of the scarce published literature in the paediatric population.

Keywords: paediatric surgery; vasculitis.