Internal hernia as a cause of fatal intestinal obstruction: case report of a four-year-old child

Czech version

Authors: Ihnát Rudinská L. ^1,2; Slívová I. ^3,4; Ihnát P. ^3,4
Authors‘ workplace: Ústav soudního lékařství, Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava ¹; Ústav soudního lékařství, Lékařská fakulta OU, Ostrava ²; Chirurgická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava ³; Katedra chirurgických oborů, Lékařská fakulta OU, Ostrava ⁴
Published in: Soud Lék., 70, 2025, No. 2, p. 10-12

Overview

This case report describes a case of fatal intestinal obstruction in a 4-year-old girl caused by malrotation and internal hernia, which led to distortion and necrosis of the small intestine. Although resuscitation was immediately initiated, multiorgan failure and death occurred within hours of the onset of the first symptoms. Autopsy revealed extensive ischemic changes in the small intestine and a congenital mesocolon defect as the cause of the internal hernia. This case highlights the critical importance of considering internal hernias in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in pediatric patients and emphasizes the need for prompt surgical intervention. Early recognition and treatment are essential to prevent catastrophic consequences in these rare but life-threatening conditions.

Keywords:

internal hernia – intestinal obstruction – congenital mesocolon defect

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Labels

Anatomical pathology Forensic medical examiner Toxicology

Soudní lékařství pro právníky a policisty

Article was published in

Forensic Medicine

2025 Issue 2