Unusual late occurrence of bowel obstruction following blunt abdominal trauma

Abstract

We report a case of late occurrence of small bowel obstruction due to stricture resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. On initial computed tomography (CT) scan, the patient had a mesenteric hematoma, which was managed conservatively. Approximately two weeks later, he complained of worsening abdominal pain and developed clinical signs of bowel obstruction. A repeat enhanced CT scan showed a stenotic loop of distal ileum adjacent to a large mesenteric mass. The loop was resected. We propose that post-traumatic intestinal stenosis be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients who have experienced blunt abdominal trauma and present later with clinical signs of bowel obstruction.