Question

A 10 y/o boy has been having "bellyaches" for about 2 years. They occur at night as well as during the day. Occasionally, he vomits after the onset of pain. Occult blood has been found in his stool. His father also gets frequent, nonspecific stomachaches. Which of the following is the most likely dx?



a. Peptic ulcer

b. Appendicitis

c. Meckel diverticulum

d. Functional abdominal pain

e. Pinworm infestation

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Peptic ulcer

Explanation :

As the patient is presenting with nocturnal abdominal pains alongwith blood in the stools , it strongly suggests that he is suffering from peptic ulcer disease.

Dull or aching pain is most common symptom; classic complaint of epigastric pain relieved by eating is not typical in pediatric population... sx often persist for several years before dx

Almost 50% of patients suffering from peptic ulcer disease also have melena ( hemoptysis )

Dx made with endoscopy