Retrocardiac pneumonia mimicking acute abdomen: a diagnostic challenge

Abstract

We present the case of a child who showed acute abdominal pain and fever due to retrocardiac pneumonia by Streptococcus pneumoniae without respiratory signs and symptoms. Acute abdominal pain is a common presenting symptom of children seen in pediatric emergency rooms. Basilar pneumonia is an uncommonly known cause of pediatric abdominal pain; it may go unrecognized on a patient's initial evaluation. Our case suggests that the clinical manifestations of a retrocardiac pneumonia can be atypical with abdominal pain as the principal complaint, mimicking acute abdomen.