[Inguinal symptoms of acute abdomen].

INTRODUCTION

We describe a syndrome in which empty hernial sac, in its role of peritoneal recess, becomes distended with pus during or after general peritonitis, usually caused by acute appendicitis. Until 1998, only 14 pediatric cases were described in the literature.

MATERIALS, METHODS, AND

RESULTS

We presented here eight cases of patients who experienced inguinal symptoms. In four, appendectomy was performed; in four, this was secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis. Inguinal complaints, pain, and flogosis were present in first group, while pneumoperitoneum and visible duct vaginalis were present in second group.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases demonstrated that persistent patent processus vaginalis may predispose to inguinal pathology secondary to intraabdominal sepsis and represent a unique complication.