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Appendicitis and infections of the appendix
1Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. lampslauraw@uams.edu
Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology
|April 6, 2005
Summary
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.