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Appendicitis and infections of the appendix

Laura W Lamps1

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. lampslauraw@uams.edu

Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology
|April 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This review explores the diverse causes of acute appendicitis, including infections and inflammation, and discusses diagnostic challenges and specific pathogens affecting the appendix.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pathology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The appendix is frequently resected, yet the causes of acute nonspecific appendicitis remain unclear.
  • Appendiceal disorders can be primary or secondary to gastrointestinal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathology, pathogenesis, and bacteriology of acute appendicitis.
  • To discuss controversial aspects like chronic appendicitis and unremarkable specimens.
  • To present specific appendiceal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of appendiceal pathology and infections.
  • Discussion of diagnostic techniques and clinical significance.
  • Categorization of infectious agents affecting the appendix.

Main Results:

  • Acute appendicitis has varied infectious and noninfectious causes.
  • Specific pathogens include bacteria (Yersinia, Actinomycosis, Mycobacteria), viruses (adenovirus, CMV), fungi (histoplasmosis), and parasites (pinworms, schistosomiasis, Strongyloides).
  • Diagnostic challenges persist for chronic appendicitis and normal-appearing specimens.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the broad spectrum of appendiceal pathology is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Infectious etiologies, though less common, require specific diagnostic approaches.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of common appendicitis.

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