Inflammatory pseudo-tumour of the appendix and acute appendicitis: a case report

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a rare benign lesion of unknown aetiology. It mimics, clinically and radiologically, malignant tumours (especially sarcoma). It was initially described in the lung, but it was subsequently recognised that virtually any anatomic location can be involved. IMTs of the gastro-intestinal tract are rare and there have been only nine confirmed cases involving the appendix to date. We presented a 20-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of IMT that caused acute appendicitis. An appendectomy is the most efficient treatment in cases where the lesion is limited to the appendix. Being aware of such an entity and being careful in the differential diagnosis of the appendiceal masses, especially the large masses, may prevent overtreatment.