title: Pediatric duodenal perforation missed on computed tomography.
abstract: We present the case of a 2-year-old child who sustained duodenal perforation after blunt abdominal trauma. The presentation of gastrointestinal perforation after blunt abdominal trauma in children can be subtle and at times delayed. A slight increase in the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, or pancreatic enzymes may be the only indication of hollow viscus injury. Initial radiographic studies have a low yield in detecting such injuries. Computed tomography is also unreliable. Conservative management with serial examinations and serial laboratory studies may be required to identify gastrointestinal perforation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Kern Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barandica
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*