Perforated appendicitis in a 4-month-old infant.

A 4-month-old male infant was admitted to our hospital because of poor intake and mild abdominal distention for 1 day. Fever and watery diarrhea had occurred 4 days prior to admission, but subsided 2 days later after taking oral medications. A physical examination showed an acute ill-looking baby with a soft and mildly distended abdomen. The bowel sound was hypoactive and no obvious abdominal tenderness was found. Normal leukocyte and differential counts were noted in initial laboratory examinations; however, the serum level of C reactive protein was extremely high (31.4 mg/dL). Progressive abdominal distention and bilious vomiting occurred. Serial plain films of abdomen showed ileus with a fixed gas pattern and an abdominal echo revealed intraperitoneal fluid accumulation. Under the impression of intestinal perforation, an emergency laparotomy was performed. A perforated appendicitis with turbid fluid in the peritoneal cavity was noted during surgery. A pus culture grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa which was sensitive to Ceftazidime only. Triple antibiotics consisting of Prostaphlin, Metronidazole, and Ceftazidime were administered for 2 weeks. The patient was discharged 3 weeks later without any complications. Appendicitis in infancy is a rare condition and associated with a high frequency of perforation and peritonitis. Diagnosis is often difficult because of variable and nonspecific clinical manifestations.