Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis vs. Acute Gastroenteritis

Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis vs. Acute Gastroenteritis

Right picture: The clinical diagnosis is a life-threatening severe exsiccosis in a delayed case of gastroenteritis. In contrast to the infant of the contralateral picture, the palpation of the belly is very easy, but no tumor is felt. Left picture: It is a typical case of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Notice the non-apathic, but very discontented face of the patient. On skilled palpation a pyloric tumor can be felt in the upper belly.

Both infants in the first trimenon received an infusion at the emergency ward because they are continuously vomiting. Left picture: In this infant the ribs are visible, the skin is not tense at the upper part of the navel, and in the picture at the bottom on the left side his face gives the impression of discontent. Right picture: This infant is very apathic, the turgor of the skin is severely decreased on the chest, and the belly and the inner side of the thighs are reddened.