Primary Torsion of the Greater Omentum: A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain in Children

PRIMARY torsion of the greater omentum is a rare cause of abdominal pain in children. Its clinical presentation mimics that of acute appendicitis. Diagnosis is rarely considered before laparotomy. Despite recognition of this syndrome since first described by Eitel 1 in 1899, no distinguishing features have been identified to separate this condition from other causes of acute abdominal pain. Proper diagnosis depends on recognition of the lesion at laparotomy. A case of primary torsion of the greater omentum occurred in an 11-year-old child. Report of a Case An 11-year-old boy was seen in the emergency department with a 36-hour history of abdominal pain. Symptoms began as periumbilical discomfort, gradually increasing and localizing as right lower quadrant abdominal pain. He had vomited twice and was anorexic. There were no other complaints; there was no history of abdominal surgery or trauma; and the review of systems as well as his medical history