Omental infarction, a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge: clinical case report

Abstract

This case report describes a patient with omental infarction (OI) managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Hospital Obrero N°3 in Santa Cruz. Several authors have pointed out that OI is rare; the unique feature of this case lies in its presentation and management in an intensive care setting, which is unusual since OI is usually treated conservatively. This report contributes to the literature by documenting a possible more severe or complicated presentation of this rare entity, especially in Bolivia, where there are no previous publications. Clinical findings included acute abdominal pain, the clinical suspicion of which led to the diagnosis, although specific symptoms are not detailed in this abstract. Computed axial tomography (CT) was crucial in identifying the typical features of omental infarction. The primary diagnosis was omental infarction. The treatment implemented was outlined in the ICU, suggesting more intensive than conservative management. The results highlight the importance of considering OI in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, even in critically ill patients. As a take-home lesson, this report underlines the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for omental infarction, even in atypical presentations requiring intensive care, and highlights the critical role of CT for its timely diagnosis.