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Acute appendicitis after motor vehicle collision

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency today. Blunt abdominal trauma is a rare etiology of appendicitis, with a reported incidence of 0.3-0.9 %. Traumatic appendicitis is more common in the pediatric population, with a median age of 11.5 years. We present the case of a 13-year-old healthy female who presented as a trauma activation after a motor vehicle collision. Clinical examination revealed ecchymoses and abrasions over bilateral hips consistent with a seatbelt sign, with tenderness in the periumbilical region and right lower quadrant. Imaging was consistent with developing appendicitis. The patient was taken to the operating room for laparoscopic appendectomy; a long, dilated, and inflamed appendix was identified intraoperatively. She did well postoperatively and was discharged home from the post-anesthesia care unit. It is important to maintain a high clinical index of suspicion for appendicitis and similar diagnoses when evaluating the pediatric trauma patient.

Source: Trauma Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2025.101207

Authors: Sean M. DuBois, Lauryn A. Ullrich

Institutions: St. Luke's University Health Network, St. Luke's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Appendicitis Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Emergency Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,190