Philip, a 7-Year-Old Boy with Intermittent Abdominal Pain

Abstract

CASE PRESENTATION You are called to evaluate a 7-year-old previously healthy boy, Philip, who presented to the emergency department (ED) with diffuse abdominal pain that has worsened over the past few days. Upon arrival to the ED a couple of hours earlier, Philip was doubled over and clutching his abdomen. The physician in the ED obtained a comprehensive metabolic panel, an abdominal ultrasound, and an abdominal radiograph. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a normal appendix, and per the ED physician’s review, the abdominal radiograph revealed no acute findings. A dose of ibuprofen does not seem to alleviate Philip’s discomfort. The ED physician is concerned that his level of pain warrants further workup and monitoring. She calls you to evaluate Philip for admission.