Jejunal disorders: potentially lethal causes of acute abdomen are still overlooked.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight the importance of considering jejunal disorders in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. Although these conditions are relatively uncommon, we should keep in mind that jejunum still occurs, and deserves consideration.

METHOD: This study was carried out at King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan. Medical records of 7 patients with uncommon jejunal disorders that were encountered between 2001 and 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. We had 1 patient with jejunal diverticulitis, 1 with jejunal intussusception, 2 with jejuno-ileal tuberculosis complicated by intestinal obstruction, and 3 with acute mesenteric ischemia. All of these patients presented with acute abdominal pain of nonspecific features. Radiologic workup, along with surgical intervention, was necessary to reach a final diagnosis.

RESULTS

Only 1 patient matched preoperative diagnosis, in which computed tomography scan revealed the presence of intussusception. The remaining patients were diagnosed intraoperatively. Laparoscopy and/or laparotomy with resection were performed. Morbidity was within acceptable range. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Jejunal disorders are potentially serious, and are underestimated. They are considered important causes of acute abdomen. Although they should not be at the top of a differential diagnostic list, they should always be ruled out when there is no apparent cause.