Sclerosing peritonitis: A case report with a review of the literature

Abstract

Sclerosing peritonitis (SP), also known as abdominal cocoon, is a rare form of peritoneal inflammation involving both the visceral and parietal surfaces of the abdominal cavity. It has an unknown etiology, resulting in an intestinal obstruction due to complete or incomplete encapsulation of the small bowel by a fibrocollagenous membrane. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed for its preoperative diagnosis. It is not easy to make a preoperative diagnosis since the early clinical features are not specific. Repeated episodes of small intestinal obstruction, relevant imaging findings, and absence of other plausible etiologies may aid in clinical suspicion. We are presenting the case of a 14-year-old girl presenting with pain in the abdomen since 5-6 days, vomiting since 2 days, and passing worms per vomitus since 2 days. Diagnosis of SP was done. This case is being highlighted for the rarity of its occurrence and distinct morphological spectrum.