Dengue haemorrhagic fever presenting as acute abdomen

Abstract EN

We describe a case of a 38 year-old Sri Lankan female who was referred to the surgeon on call with a picture of acute abdomen.

She presented with a three-day history of fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhea; however, the physical examination was not consistent with acute abdomen.

Her platelet count was 22 x109/L.

A diagnosis of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) was made and dengue serology was positive.

Dengue epidemics have been associated with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and signs, including acute abdomen.

Acute abdomen in patients with DHF makes the diagnosis and management challenging