A Rare Cause of Septic Shock in the Emergency Department in an Intellectually-Disabled Child

Background: Sepsis in older children is often associated with the presence of developmental abnormalities and cerebral palsy. While relatively uncommon, surgical abdomen in these patients is associated with a high rate of mortality. Few reports have been described of sepsis caused by isolated cecal necrosis. Case Report: We report a 13-year-old child with cerebral palsy and global developmental delay who presented to the emergency department with acute worsening abdominal distention that the mother attributed to chronic constipation. Clinical evaluation revealed that she was in severe septic shock and needed immediate stabilization after which she underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Operative findings revealed cecal necrosis that necessitated an ileocecectomy. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This?: Children with intellectual disabilities presenting with sepsis to the emergency department can be particularly challenging given the communication barriers and the time-sensitive nature of the condition. When evaluating these patients, a thorough history and examination are often the only tools that assist in the early identification of the infectious source, leading to improved clinical outcomes.