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Pylephlebitis and Hepatic Abscess Secondary to Complicated Appendicitis in a Geriatric Patient With Undiagnosed Situs Inversus Totalis: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Pylephlebitis is an uncommon but severe complication of intra-abdominal infections, particularly associated with conditions such as appendicitis or diverticulitis. Although it is more frequently observed in older men, it can occur in other age groups and carries significant mortality if not diagnosed in a timely manner. Acute appendicitis remains the leading cause of emergency abdominal surgery worldwide, with a higher risk of complications in elderly patients due to diagnostic challenges. Situs inversus totalis, an unusual anatomical condition, may delay diagnosis by altering the clinical location of symptoms. We report the case of a geriatric patient with previously undiagnosed situs inversus totalis who developed complicated appendicitis with pylephlebitis and hepatic abscess, highlighting the clinical and therapeutic challenges of this combination.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.97664

Authors: Christian Ballardo Medina, Mariana Burgueño Ibarra, Paul Humberto Valdez Castillejo, Jose Manuel Rocha Chavez, Rodolfo Lopez Hernandez, Ana Karen Carrasco Gaxiola

Institutions: Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers

Language: English

Topic: Appendicitis Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Emergency Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416590513