Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever presenting as Acute Abdomen

Abstract

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 diarrhoea; however, the physical examination was not consistent with acute abdomen. Her platelet count was 22 x109/L. A diagnosis of dengue haemorrhagic 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.