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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Dengue fever mimicking acute appendicitis.
R Premaratna1, M S Bailey, B G N Ratnasena
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, P.O. Box 6, Thalagolla Road, Ragama, Sri Lanka. ranjan_premaratna@lycos.com
Dengue fever (DF) can mimic acute appendicitis, presenting with abdominal pain and tenderness. Early blood counts on the third or fourth day are crucial for differentiating DF from appendicitis in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
- Dengue fever (DF) is a significant public health concern in endemic areas.
- DF can present with a wide range of non-specific symptoms.
Observation:
- Twelve patients presented with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis.
- Clinical features included right iliac fossa tenderness, rebound tenderness, vomiting, rash, and arthralgia.
- Patients exhibited leucocytopenia and thrombocytopenia by the third or fourth day of illness.
Findings:
- All patients had C-reactive protein <12mg/l.
- Dengue fever was confirmed serologically in all cases.
- Abdominal ultrasound revealed free fluid around the appendix in seven patients.
Implications:
- Dengue fever can present as acute appendicitis, leading to misdiagnosis.
- A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential.
- Complete blood count on the third or fourth day of illness aids in differentiating DF from acute bacterial appendicitis.
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