Spontaneous Perforation of Jejunal Ulcer

Spontaneous perforation of the nonspecific small bowel ulcer is a rarely seen condition that causes acute abdomen and mostly diagnosed perioperatively. A 72-year old female patient was admitted to emergency service with abdominal pain. Her physical examination was compatible with acute abdomen and peritonitis. Abdomen computerized tomography showed free air under the right diaphragm. She was operated with a presumptive diagnosis of gastrointestinal perforation. An isolated jejunal perforation on the opposite side of the mesentery was found perioperatively. A biopsy was taken, and the perforation was repaired with primary sutures. The patient died in the intensive care unit due to pulmonary complications on the fifth postoperative day. Although the biopsy was taken from the superficial tissue, it was consistent with an ulcer. Nonspecific jejunal ulcer perforations can be life-threatening because of the delayed diagnosis. Especially in elderly patients, it should be kept in mind as a cause of acute abdomen.