Jejunal disorders: potentially lethal causes of acute abdomen are still overlooked.
OBJECTIVE
To highlight the importance of considering jejunal disorders in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. Although these conditions are relatively uncommon, we should keep in mind that jejunum still occurs, and deserves consideration.


METHODS
This study was carried out at King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan. Medical records of 7 patients with uncommon jejunal disorders that were encountered between 2001 and 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. We had 1 patient with jejunal diverticulitis, 1 with jejunal intussusception, 2 with jejuno-ileal tuberculosis complicated by intestinal obstruction, and 3 with acute mesenteric ischemia. All of these patients presented with acute abdominal pain of nonspecific features. Radiologic workup, along with surgical intervention, was necessary to reach a final diagnosis.


RESULTS
Only 1 patient matched preoperative diagnosis, in which computed tomography scan revealed the presence of intussusception. The remaining patients were diagnosed intraoperatively. Laparoscopy and/or laparotomy with resection were performed. Morbidity was within acceptable range. There was no mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Jejunal disorders are potentially serious, and are underestimated. They are considered important causes of acute abdomen. Although they should not be at the top of a differential diagnostic list, they should always be ruled out when there is no apparent cause.
Bani Hani
Mohammed N
MN
Department of Surgery, Jordan University of Science and Technology, King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid, Jordan. mohbanihani@hotmail.com
AlWaqfi
Nizar R
NR
Heis
Hussein A
HA
Bani-Hani
Kamal E
KE
Hijazi
Emad A
EA
Rashdan
Yasser H
YH
Al Manasra
Abdel Rahman A
AR
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007579:Jejunal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies