Fascia, Muscle and Peritoneal Rupture without Any Skin Lesion as a Result of Blunt Abdominal Trauma - A Case Report

Background : Blunt abdominal trauma is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in childhood. Rapid and correct diagnosis is critical for blunt abdominal trauma cases. Methods : A twelve-year-old male was admitted to our emergency service following a bicycle accident. He had mild abdominal discomfort by palpation located at the lower right abdominal quadrant. A hyperaemic area of 1 x 4 cm, was present on the skin surface. During the CT scan examination, a 1 x 1.8 cm rupture of the right rectus abmominis muscle at the pelvic inlet level was detected. Intra-operatively, we detected an approximately 10 cm irregular fascial rupture, an 8-10 cm muscular rupture of the rectus abdominis muscle and also a 10 cm peritoneal rupture. Conclusion : Blunt abdominal trauma may cause severe intra-abdominal tissue and visceral injuries, even if no important clinical findings are present. So, all standard diagnostic procedures must be called into mind in order not to overlook severe intra-abdominal injuries.