Isolated jejunal perforation after blunt trauma. Report of three cases

G Chir. 2010 Apr;31(4):167-70.

Abstract

Small bowel perforation occurs in 3% to 5% of cases of blunt abdominal trauma. The initial clinical exam can be unremarkable because signs of hollow viscus injury (HVI) may take time to develop. Conventional radiograms are often unable to diagnosis of this subset of trauma. Three cases of jejunal perforation after a blunt abdominal trauma are described. One of these showed at laparotomy small sero muscular diastasis of the jejunum and multiple ecchymosis of the small bowel without peritonitis. The detection of this subset of trauma patients has improved markedly with CT, which has led to a decrease in the number of negative laparotomies performed. In our report CT imaging showed a increased thickness of bowel loop wall in left ipocondrium in the first and second case. In our small experience this sign suggest us a jejunal contusion in which an isolated perforating is always possible.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology*
  • Jejunal Diseases / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications*
  • Young Adult