Diagnostic characteristics of anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome in childhood

Some children suffering from chronic abdominal pain may have an abdominal wall entity such as anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. This syndrome is largely suspected on a combination of findings at history and physical examination. The aim is to obtain clues in history and physical examinations in a selected population of children with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. We analyzed all children with abdominal pain visiting our hospital between January 2013 and January 2015. A total of 71 cases were identified (median age 15 years, range 8–17, 77% female). Pain was severe (median 8, range 6–9), stabbing/burning (84%), superficial (88%), aggravated by physical activity (91%), and always in one abdominal area (97%). Hypo-/hyperesthesia (87%) or a positive pinch test (89%) was often found at the skin overlying the painful spot. Increased pain was reported by 97% when the abdominal muscles were tensed (Carnett test). A single anterior rectus sheath block is successful in almost all patients (97%). Conclusion: A combination of typical findings in history and physical examination allows for diagnosing childhood ACNES.What is Known:• Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is often overlooked in chronic abdominal pain.• Pediatric literature on diagnostic work up for ACNES is poor.What is New:• Two third reported treatment delay due to misdiagnosis as functional abdominal pain.• Medical history and physical examination revealed neuropathic pain characteristic in up to 90% of the cases.