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Epiploic appendagitis: an emerging diagnosis for general surgeons.
Bernard R Boulanger1, Stephen Barnes, Andrew C Bernard
1Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA.
The American Surgeon
|November 29, 2002
Summary
Epiploic appendagitis, a cause of lower abdominal pain, is increasingly diagnosed via computed tomography. This condition often resolves without surgery, highlighting the need for surgeons to consider it in their differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) and sonography are increasingly used for lower abdominal pain.
- This has led to greater recognition of epiploic appendagitis.
- Epiploic appendagitis is well-described by radiologists but underrepresented in surgical literature.
Observation:
- Five recent cases of epiploic appendagitis managed at our center were diagnosed via CT.
- None of the patients required surgical intervention.
- Literature review on this clinical entity was performed.
Findings:
- Computed tomography is effective in diagnosing epiploic appendagitis.
- Epiploic appendagitis can be managed non-surgically.
- The condition has a favorable natural history.
Implications:
- General surgeons should include epiploic appendagitis in their differential diagnosis for abdominal pain.
- Awareness of the natural history of epiploic appendagitis is crucial for appropriate therapeutic decisions.
- Non-operative management is often suitable for epiploic appendagitis.