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Pericarditis as complication of appendicitis

Edward C T H Tan1, Paul N M A Rieu, Aagje Nijveld

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Nijmegen, The Netherlands. e.tan@chir.umcn.nl

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 1, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pericarditis is a rare complication of appendicitis. This study details two pediatric cases of appendicitis with severe outcomes including bowel obstruction and pericarditis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Appendicitis is a common pediatric surgical emergency.
  • Complications of appendicitis typically involve intra-abdominal processes.
  • Pericarditis as a sequela is exceptionally uncommon.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric patients presented with atypical appendicitis over 25 years.
  • Initial presentations involved small bowel obstruction and intra-abdominal abscesses.
  • These abdominal complications progressed to severe pericardial disease.

Findings:

  • The cases illustrate a pathway from appendicitis to intra-abdominal sepsis.
  • Subsequent development of constrictive pericarditis and purulent pericarditis occurred.
  • Successful management involved addressing both abdominal and pericardial pathology.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering rare complications in pediatric appendicitis.
  • Suggests a potential link between intra-abdominal abscesses and subsequent pericarditis.
  • Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of severe appendicitis complications.

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