Abstract
A previously unreported etiology for post-traumatic abdominal distention was observed in a 5-year-old girl who suffered only head trauma and a prolonged period of hypoxemia. When there is a rapid accumulation of peritoneal fluid containing a high concentration of protein but negative for amylase, no evidence of blood loss, plus abnormal serial liver enzyme studies and the need for placement of large volumes of fluid, posthypoxic ascites should be suspected. Peritoneal aspiration confirmed the diagnosis and treatment was supportive. Because early operative intervention is necessary in pancreatic ascites and treatment is supportive for posthypoxic ascites, it is imperative to differentiate them.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.