Duodenal perforation in the pediatric population: two rare cases at a small community hospital

Duodenal ulcer perforation is very uncommon in the pediatric population; hence, it is usually not considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in this age group. In our small community hospital, we had two rare cases of perforated peptic ulcer in the pediatric population within a short span of time. A 14-year-old male and a 13-year-old female child presented to the emergency room with acute abdominal pain. No other symptoms were reported and neither had any history of peptic ulcer disease. Abdominal CT showed pneumoperitoneum consistent with perforated hollow viscus. Subsequent exploratory laparotomy indicated perforated duodenal ulcer in both children. These cases illustrate that perforated peptic ulcers should be considered in children presenting with acute abdomen.