An Unusual Case of an Icteric Infant with Abdominal Distention

Abstract Background Jaundiced infants are uncommon in most emergency departments (EDs). Biliary rupture remains one of the more rare and less described causes of this condition. Case Report A 5-month-old male presented to our ED with scleral icterus, increasing abdominal distention, and increased ir...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of emergency medicine 2014-07, Vol.47 (1), p.18-20
Main Authors: Wardi, Gabriel, MD, MPH, Ishimine, Paul, MD, Lasoff, Daniel, MD, Yuan, Chao, MD, Campbell, Colleen, MD, RDMS
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ascites - etiology
biliary rupture
choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis - complications
Choledocholithiasis - diagnosis
Common Bile Duct
Emergency
Humans
Infant
jaundice
Jaundice - etiology
Male
Rupture, Spontaneous - diagnosis
Rupture, Spontaneous - etiology
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Description
Summary:Abstract Background Jaundiced infants are uncommon in most emergency departments (EDs). Biliary rupture remains one of the more rare and less described causes of this condition. Case Report A 5-month-old male presented to our ED with scleral icterus, increasing abdominal distention, and increased irritability. A bedside ultrasound revealed a moderate amount of ascites and further imaging suggested he had a rupture of his common bile duct. Surgical exploration confirmed this and revealed the presence of choledocholithiasis, which was the likely cause of the rupture. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Biliary rupture remains a rare but serious condition in very young patients. Emergency physicians should consider bedside ultrasound as an adjunct in undifferentiated abdominal distention or jaundice in this patient population.
ISSN:0736-4679
2352-5029
DOI:10.1016/j.jemermed.2014.01.025