[Acute abdomen caused by Salmonella typhi acute appendicitis]

Minerva Pediatr. 2006 Apr;58(2):203-5.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Salmonella infections can manifest themselves as acute abdominal problems and lead to emergency surgery. Some examples are: salmonella-related intestinal perforations, gallbladder involments, salpingitis, and peritonitis. Mesenteric lymphadenitis associated with salmonella mimics acute appendicitis and it is often difficult to establish a timely and tempestive diagnosis in children with right lower abdominal pain. Because of the difficult diagnostic process, a significant number of patients with salmonella infections present acute abdomen and undergo needless operations. Instead, in our case of salmonella-related acute abdomen, laparotomy was the right therapeutic choice. The conclusion is drawn that, even if there is not a precise diagnosis, in salmonella-related acute abdomen the surgical approach is the right choice, considering the high morbidity and mortality associated with untreated appendicitis and intestinal perforations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen, Acute / etiology*
  • Abdomen, Acute / surgery
  • Appendicitis / complications*
  • Appendicitis / microbiology*
  • Appendicitis / surgery
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Salmonella typhi / pathogenicity*