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Primary epiploic appendagitis: the role of computed tomography in diagnosis

B Gurses1, B Ekci, S Akansel

  • 1Yeditepe University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Istanbul, Turkey. bengur0@yahoo.com

Australasian Radiology
|November 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Primary epiploic appendagitis, a rare cause of acute abdomen, typically resolves with conservative management, not surgery. Computed tomography is the gold standard for diagnosing this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Primary epiploic appendagitis is a rare, self-limiting condition.
  • It involves torsion and inflammation of the epiploic appendages.
  • Clinical presentation can mimic acute surgical abdomen.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with clinical symptoms suggestive of acute abdomen.
  • Imaging, specifically computed tomography, was utilized for diagnosis.
  • Computed tomography confirmed primary epiploic appendagitis.

Findings:

  • Computed tomography is the gold standard for diagnosing epiploic appendagitis.
  • Most cases of epiploic appendagitis resolve with conservative management.
  • Surgical intervention is often unnecessary for this condition.

Implications:

  • Accurate diagnosis with computed tomography can prevent unnecessary surgeries.
  • Understanding epiploic appendagitis aids in appropriate patient management.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in acute abdominal presentations.

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