E5: abdo pain in DM

History of Present Illness:

A woman in her mid-40’s with a history of DM and prior laparotomy for trauma presents to the hospital with one day of generalized abdominal pain, 8 days of mild mid-cycle vaginal bleeding and 2 weeks of subjective fevers. She denies any vomiting but is nauseated.  She does not know what they did in her surgery.  She denies other complaints

Vital Signs & Physical Exam:

Vital signs are normal.  Abdomen is distended and tender with guarding and rebound

Initial Diagnostic Testing:

  • CBC: WBC 18, platelets 990,000
  • Chem: bicarb 11, gap 21, glucose 550, lactate normal
  • Imaging: see below

 

What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A) Stool impaction
  • B) SBO
  • C) Intestinal perf
  • D) TOA

SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS & 1-MINUTE CONSULT

 

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ANSWER:

  • A) Stool impaction
  • B) SBO
  • C) Intestinal perf
  • D) TOA – CORRECT

1-Minute Consult on this topic: Click HERE and scroll to page 110.

 

CASE CONCLUSION: CT showed massive TOA with gas formation and pneumoperitoneum.  However OR diagnosis was an infected endometrioma.  She had a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.  She was on pressors for a few days but eventually did well.