Traumatic injury to the pancreas: the challenges of care in the pediatric patient.
Traumatic pancreatic injury is infrequently encountered in children. Diagnosis and treatment of this injury can be complicated. Signs and symptoms are often subtle with presentation frequently delayed leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This delay is compounded by lack of specific diagnostic tools to aid diagnosis. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for pancreatic injury in any child who sustains blunt abdominal trauma. Ongoing clinical evaluation is essential. This article presents a case study of a child with a traumatic pancreatic injury and discusses tools utilized to aid diagnosis of pancreatic injury, treatment options, and potential complications.
Fanta
Karen
K
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Cook
Becky S
BS
Schweer
Lynn
L
D000059:Accidents; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015541:Off-Road Motor Vehicles; D010179:Pancreas / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D010180:Pancreatectomy; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012944:Social Support; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed