Early appendicitis--a safe diagnosis?

D L Loh; F D Munro; D Wilson-Storey; J D Orr

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PubMed · 15329771

Early appendicitis--a safe diagnosis?

D L Loh·F D Munro·D Wilson-Storey·J D Orr

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Serosal inflammation of the appendix in association with a significant peritoneal exudate can be mistaken for early acute appendicitis. We highlight the importance of looking for other sources of intra-abdominal sepsis in this clinical setting. CLINICAL PICTURE: We present 3 cases of so-called "mild" appendicitis with serosal inflammation that was ultimately shown to be caused by Meckel's diverticulitis. TREATMENT: All 3 patients initially underwent an appendicectomy. In 2 of these cases, a further laparotomy and excision of a Meckel's diverticulum was carried out. All 3 made an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: Meckel's diverticulitis can mimic acute appendicitis in clinical history, physical findings and operative findings. It is important to always consider this as a possible cause for an acute abdomen.

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Abdominal Pain Appendicitis Child Child, Preschool Humans Male Meckel Diverticulum Case Reports Journal Article

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D L Loh, F D Munro, D Wilson-Storey, J D Orr. 2004. Early appendicitis--a safe diagnosis?. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15329771/

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