Giant Duodenal Perforation Secondary to Malaria in a 5-Year-Old Girl: Case Report and Review.

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is rare in children, with complications like perforation being especially uncommon. Malaria, a major health burden in endemic regions, is associated with severe complications, but giant duodenal perforation as a direct consequence is remarkably rare. This report presents a 5-year-old girl with a giant duodenal perforation secondary to malaria, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 5-year-old girl from a malaria-endemic area presented with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnosed with severe malaria, she developed acute abdominal pain and signs of peritonitis. Imaging confirmed duodenal perforation, which was surgically repaired. Postoperative recovery was successful, and Helicobacter pylori infection was ruled out.

CONCLUSION

Giant duodenal perforation can occur as a rare complication of severe malaria in children without typical peptic ulcer risk factors. Early recognition and timely surgical and antimalarial treatment are critical to improving outcomes in malaria-endemic settings.