Epiploic appendagitis is a benign and self-limiting condition that has garnered more recognition, particularly in preoperative settings, thanks to advancements in imaging techniques, notably computed tomography (CT). Its distinct radiologic features facilitate accurate diagnosis prior to surgery. Despite its unique characteristics, the clinical presentation of epiploic appendagitis often resembles that of various other intra-abdominal medical and surgical conditions, leading to potential confusion. Here, we present the case of a 37-year-old otherwise healthy woman who was diagnosed with primary epiploic appendagitis based on CT scan findings conducted initially for suspected appendicitis. The patient received successful conservative treatment. This paper seeks to highlight the importance of recognizing this clinical condition and its characteristic imaging features, aiming to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, antibiotic treatments, and the associated morbidity and mortality linked with surgical interventions.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11299564 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2024.06.048 | DOI Listing |
Cureus
November 2024
Family Medicine, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, USA.
Epiploic appendagitis (EA) is an uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed cause of acute abdominal pain, typically affecting middle-aged males. This case report presents an atypical occurrence in a 32-year-old Hispanic female who presented with left lower quadrant pain, initially suspected to be diverticulitis or infectious colitis. Contrast-enhanced CT imaging revealed the characteristic findings of EA, a diagnosis that is rarely seen in young adult females.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Case Rep
December 2024
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Raigmore Hospital, NHS Highland, Inverness, United Kingdom.
BACKGROUND Acute epiploic appendagitis is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain characterized by pain in the left or right lower quadrants of the abdomen. It is caused by torsion or spontaneous venous thrombosis of one of the epiploic appendages, which are found along the colon, most commonly in the sigmoid colon. The literature consistently compares the presenting symptoms and clinical picture of acute epiploic appendagitis to acute diverticulitis and acute appendicitis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEmerg Radiol
December 2024
Department of Surgery, Kiriyama Clinic, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
Epiploic appendagitis of the vermiform appendix is a rare cause of right lower abdominal pain that can mimic acute appendicitis and result in unnecessary surgery. Despite this, the condition can be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone. Due to the lack of characteristic physical or laboratory findings, accurate diagnosis by imaging is crucial.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
August 2024
Emergency Medicine and Neurology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA.
Epiploic appendagitis is a rare, often misdiagnosed condition that causes acute abdominal pain. The symptoms, such as localized pain that worsens with coughing and stretching, mimic other conditions like appendicitis and diverticulitis. Diagnosis can be made using computed tomography (CT) scans, which show characteristic signs, such as a 2-3 cm fat-density ring, colon wall thickening, and nearby fluid or inflammation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
July 2024
Internal Medicine, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, PAK.
An acute abdomen that is tender to palpation often represents a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgical or medical management. We present a case of acute abdomen with peritoneal signs and symptoms due to epiploic appendagitis (EA) that resolved with a single dose of ibuprofen. EA often mimics appendicitis, diverticulitis, and rarely cholecystitis based on its location.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!