A "rare" case of melena in a 3-year-old

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2011 Nov;27(11):1084. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e31823606b5.

Abstract

Melena is a potential sign of life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding; however, there are numerous substances ingested resulting in a stool appearance similar to melena. Examples of such substances include black licorice, bismuth subsalicylate, and iron supplements. We report a case of a well-appearing 3-year-old Vietnamese girl presenting to our emergency department after 2 episodes of "black, sticky" stool. The cause of her "melena" was determined after father revealed that she had ingested 2 bowls of pork blood soup during the preceding 12 hours. This case highlights the need for a careful dietary history and cultural considerations in children presenting with what may appear to be melena.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Animals
  • Blood
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Digestion
  • Emergencies
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Meat Products*
  • Melena / etiology*
  • Swine