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[Idiopathic segmental infarct of the omentum. Differential diagnosis in an obese patient]

P Strock1, A Baroudi, C Laurin

  • 1Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Châteauroux.

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|October 18, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Omental infarction, a rare cause of abdominal pain, can mimic appendicitis. Early diagnosis is key to potentially avoid surgery for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Abdominal Surgery

Background:

  • Omental infarction is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain.
  • It presents diagnostic challenges, particularly differentiating it from appendicitis.

Observation:

  • A 29-year-old male presented with persistent acute abdominal pain.
  • Conservative management failed, necessitating laparoscopic resection on the 5th hospital day.
  • Histopathology confirmed omental infarction.

Findings:

  • Primary segmental necrosis of the omentum is rare, with obesity and cardiovascular disease as potential predisposing factors.
  • Pain is often disproportionate to the patient's general condition; laboratory results are typically nonspecific.
  • Imaging may reveal characteristic findings: ultrasound showing a hyperechoic lesion, CT scan depicting a fatty mass with peritoneal thickening.

Implications:

  • Accurate preoperative diagnosis of omental infarction is crucial for acute abdominal pain management.
  • Timely diagnosis can help avoid unnecessary surgical intervention in cases with uneventful courses.

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