AI Article Synopsis
- Epiploic appendagitis (EA) presents a diagnostic challenge for surgeons due to its nonspecific symptoms, often resembling other abdominal conditions.
- Most patients (12 total) reported abdominal pain, with localized tenderness noted in all; imaging (CT scans) helped confirm the diagnosis in seven cases.
- Awareness of EA's self-limiting nature is crucial, as proper use of CT scans can help surgeons avoid unnecessary surgeries.
Article Abstract
Background: Differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment of epiploic appendagitis (EA) is a dilemma for general surgeons because of nonspecific signs and symptoms.
Methods: Twelve patients (3 women and 9 men, average age 40 years, range 18-82 years) who were diagnosed as having EA upon presenting to the emergency department or at the time of discharge between April 2002 and September 2008 were included.
Results: The major presenting symptom was abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed well-localized tenderness in all cases (n = 12); in addition, rebound tenderness and distention were also observed. Laboratory blood tests were normal except for 4 patients who had leukocytosis. Seven cases were diagnosed by an abdominal computed tomography scan. Five patients required surgical intervention, whereas the remaining did not.
Conclusions: Surgeons should be aware of this self-limiting disease that mimics many other intra-abdominal acute conditions. An abdominal computed tomography scan has a significant role in accurate diagnosis of EA before surgery to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2009.02.004 | DOI Listing |
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