ABSTRACT
Infection by a variety of enteric organisms may cause enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes and produce fever with diffuse tenderness of the abdomen. These signs may be confused with acute appendicitis. Many of the intra-abdominal conditions that occur in children are age-specific. For example, pyloric stenosis usually occurs between 3 and 6 weeks of age, and for practical purposes is never seen beyond 3 months. Forceful or projectile vomiting is suggestive of pyloric stenosis. The infant is hungry and feeds with enthusiasm. The vomiting occurs after every feed and does not contain bile. Most cases of intussusception occur in infants between 3 and 12 months of age. The infant presents with vomiting, lethargy, pallor and colicky abdominal pain. The classical presentation of appendicitis, involving central abdominal pain shifting to the right iliac fossa, nausea and vomiting with general malaise and anorexia, is well known.
