Isolated gastric perforation following blunt abdominal trauma: A case report

Gastric perforation resulting from blunt abdominal trauma is a rare but life-threatening condition, accounting for a small fraction of abdominal injuries in trauma patients. Early identification is crucial due to its nonspecific presentation and diagnostic challenges. We report the case of a 20-year-old male involved in a high-speed motorcycle collision who presented with diffuse abdominal pain and distension. Contrast-enhanced CT imaging revealed pneumoperitoneum and a 4 cm perforation in the anterior gastric antrum, with no associated organ injuries. The patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy with primary repair using an omental patch. His postoperative recovery was uneventful, and gastric biopsy results were normal. This case underscores the rarity of isolated gastric perforation in blunt trauma and highlights the pivotal role of CT imaging in diagnosis. It also emphasizes the necessity of prompt surgical intervention to mitigate morbidity and mortality.