What is beyond Salmonella gastroenteritis? A case of acute pancreatitis complicating Salmonella infection in a child: a case report and literature review

• Main Authors: Salwa Al Kaabi, Aysha Al Kaabi, Hasa Al Nuaimi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-08-01
• Series: BMC Pediatrics
• Subjects: Salmonella gastroenteritis; Pancreatitis; Amylase; Lipase
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02814-w

Abstract Background Salmonella infection presents itself in a wide variety of ways, ranging from mild self-limited illness to severe systemic disease with multiorgan involvement. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a very rare complication that is associated with Salmonella infection, especially among the pediatric population. Case presentation A five-year-old boy presented with a two-day fever and experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The boy was admitted as a case of acute gastroenteritis, and Salmonella was found in his stool culture. The severity of his abdominal pain during his hospital stay indicated the possibility of AP. A clinical examination and blood workup were performed and showed significant elevation in amylase and lipase, which confirmed the diagnosis of AP. Conclusion Although abdominal pain is a common presentation of Salmonella infection, the possibility of AP must be considered when the pain is severe and the characteristics of the pain are suggestive of AP. Herein, we report a case of AP complicating Salmonella infection in an immunocompetent child.