Adenocarcinoma of the stomach in an adolescent presenting as pneumoperitoneum: a brief report.

BACKGROUND

Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is rare in children and adolescents. A unique case, presenting as an acute abdomen with pneumoperitoneum, is discussed.

METHODS

Case presentation and literature review.

RESULTS

A 13-year-old girl with perforated gastric adenocarcinoma treated by wedge resection developed metastatic disease within two months and died within six months despite chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Frozen section of all perforated gastric ulcers, with resection/postoperative chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma.

SUMMARY: A 13-year-old girl with gastric adenocarcinoma presented with pneumoperitoneum. Within two months of wedge resection widespread metastatic disease was documented by computerized tomography scan and laparoscopy and despite chemotherapy, the patient died within six months. Frozen section of all perforated gastric ulcers, even in children, and definitive formal gastrectomy with postoperative chemotherapy, offer the only chance of cure.