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Diverticulosis of the appendix with diverticulitis: case report
1Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Chang Gung Medical Journal
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Appendiceal diverticulosis, a rare condition, presents with appendicitis-like symptoms. Pathological examination revealed pseudodiverticula, highlighting the need for appendectomy even with focal inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Appendiceal diverticulosis is an uncommon condition.
- Differentiating appendiceal diverticulitis from acute appendicitis preoperatively is challenging.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old male presented with acute appendicitis-like symptoms.
- Laparoscopic appendectomy revealed an appendix with focal erythematous change and three pseudodiverticula.
- One diverticulum was inflamed, but the appendix itself was not diffusely inflamed.
Findings:
- Pathological examination confirmed appendiceal diverticulosis with pseudodiverticula.
- The appendix showed focal, not diffuse, inflammation, distinguishing it from typical acute appendicitis.
- Preoperative imaging modalities like CT scans and ultrasounds did not aid in diagnosis.
Implications:
- Appendectomy is warranted even when appendiceal inflammation is focal.
- Appendiceal diverticulitis requires surgical intervention, similar to acute appendicitis.
- This case represents the first reported instance of appendiceal diverticulosis in Taiwan.