Citation

Singla AA, Singla AA. J. Surg. Case Rep. 2015; 2015(11): e148.

Affiliation

University of New South Wales, Kensington 2033, Australia Department of Surgery, Bankstown Hospital, Sydney 2200, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jscr/rjv148

PMID

26564612

PMCID

PMC4642231

Abstract

The introduction of seatbelts to legislation has dramatically reduced mortality and morbidity from motor vehicle accidents. However, overtime evidence has emerged of 'seatbelt syndrome' (SBS), particularly in the paediatric population. The report describes the diagnosis and management of this rare injury in a 12-year-old boy who sustained a chance lumbar fracture and mesenteric tear resulting in small bowel obstruction. His stay was subsequently complicated by superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome. This is the first documented case of SBS with SMA syndrome. High index of suspicion and continuity of care, particularly in the setting of a 'seatbelt sign', is paramount to timely diagnosis and management.

Language: en