DWY Mak, WL Yiu, NKC Tse, CK Li

Abstract

Abdominal distension is a common but non-specific sign of a variety of diseases and conditions that always warrant meticulous and thorough physical examination as well as investigations. An Indian girl who presented with a grossly distended abdomen was admitted for suspected child neglect and malnutrition. History of pica was noted and a big gastric bezoar was removed surgically. Investigations came up with the diagnosis of coeliac sprue. Low level of awareness would overlook this disease entity easily, particularly in a region with exceedingly low prevalence like our locality. Indeed, screenings of at-risk groups in Caucasians have resulted in identification of considerable numbers of atypical and asymptomatic cases.