Work

Early Appendicitis – A Safe Diagnosis?

Year: 2004

Type: article

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.

Source: Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore

DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.v33n4p530

Authors: DL Loh, FD Munro, D Wilson-Storey, JD Orr

Institutions: Royal Hospital for Sick Children, National University Hospital, Royal Hospital for Children

Language: English

Topic: Appendicitis Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Emergency Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W4386940469

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by: 5

Related to: 10