[Gastric rupture in children. Apropos of a case].

We report the case of a ten-year-old who sustained a barotrauma during resuscitation that caused rupture of the stomach. Ruptures of the stomach are infrequent occurrences in children. Most cases consist in a tear of the lesser curvature due to excessive pressures being used during face mask ventilation. Clinical features always include gradual development of a pneumoperitoneum with persistence of respiratory distress. The plain film of the abdomen confirms the diagnosis and immediate surgery is required. Various etiologies reported in the literature are reviewed. The need for caution when ventilating and use of age-appropriate equipment is emphasized. Rupture of the stomach should be considered in every patient who develops acute distension of the abdomen while undergoing resuscitation.