Hemodynamic Shock Caused by Tension Pneumoperitoneum in a 5-Year-Old Girl

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2018 Jun;34(6):e102-e103. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000001471.

Abstract

Tension pneumoperitoneum is a relatively rare occurrence in the pediatric population. However, tension pneumoperitoneum is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if it is not promptly diagnosed and treated. A 5-year-old girl was admitted to emergency department with abdominal pain. She was in shock, and the radiograph film of the abdomen revealed a voluminous tension pneumoperitoneum. Aggressive fluid challenges were performed in intensive care followed by urgent laparotomy. Primary abdominal compartment due to trapped gas caused a decreased venous return and visceral perfusion. In the absence of hemodynamic improvement after vascular filling, needle decompression was performed before surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods
  • Female
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Intra-Abdominal Hypertension / diagnosis*
  • Intra-Abdominal Hypertension / etiology
  • Intra-Abdominal Hypertension / therapy
  • Laparotomy / methods
  • Pneumoperitoneum / complications*
  • Pneumoperitoneum / therapy
  • Shock / etiology*
  • Shock / therapy