Acute inflammation of a congenital cecal diverticulum mimicking appendicitis

Cecal diverticulitis is a relatively rare problem in the Western world. It is often clinically indistinguishable from acute appendicitis.

We present a case of a young woman who was suspected to have acute appendicitis prior to operation. At operation an unexpected and suspicious cecal mass was found and the procedure was revised to a right hemicolectomy. Subsequent histological examination revealed an acutely inflamed solitary, congenital diverticulum of the cecum.

We would like to highlight this uncommon condition to ensure that its first encounter is not in the operating theatre. The varied and controversial management options are briefly discussed.