Septic shock: an atypical complication of alimentary tract duplication

• Published in: Archivos argentinos de pediatría Vol. 122; no. 3; p. e202310123
• Main Authors: Imaz, Francisco, Buela, Enrique, Scarpin, Antonella, Santangelo, Agustina, Marino, Paula, Barbosa, Lucrecia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Argentina 01-06-2024
• Subjects: Child, Preschool; Digestive System Abnormalities - complications; Digestive System Abnormalities - diagnosis; Digestive System Abnormalities - surgery; Female; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Ileum; Pain; Shock, Septic - etiology; septic shock; gastrointestinal tract; pediatrics
• ISSN: 0325-0075; 1668-3501
• DOI: 10.5546/aap.2023-100123.eng

Alimentary tract duplications are heterogenous congenital anomalies of the digestive tract. Their form of presentation is varied, and they may lead to different complications, depending on their natural course. Infection is a rare complication, but it cannot be ignored because of its severity. Here we describe the case of an otherwise healthy 2-year-old girl with an atypical complication of alimentary tract duplication: septic shock. She initially consulted due to abdominal distension and pain associated with a palpable abdominal mass. The imaging studies showed a partial fluid septation in the right side of the abdomen. During hospitalization, an intratumoral infection developed, which progressed to septic shock. The patient responded favorably to medical treatment for shock, and surgical resection was subsequently performed. The pathology report confirmed the presence of alimentary tract duplication.