Idiopathic gastric rupture in a 3-month-old girl

This case reports on idiopathic gastric rupture in a 3-mo-old girl who had frequent episodes of vomiting and abdominal distension the day before admission to the clinic. Metabolic acidosis was detected and rotavirus antigen was identified in the stools. Abdominal X-rays and CT scans revealed free air and fluid in the abdominal cavity, leading to a diagnosis of gastrointestinal perforation. During surgery, idiopathic gastric rupture was detected and treated. The postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic gastric rupture is extremely rare in childhood beyond the neonatal period. Early diagnosis and surgery are mandatory if children with this condition are to be saved.