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An infected urachal cyst containing an appendicolith: a case report
Guen Young Lee1, Sun Wha Lee, Kum-Ja Choi
1Department of Radiology and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
Clinical Imaging
|November 14, 2008
Summary
An 8-year-old girl had an infected urachal cyst with an appendicolith, stemming from a fistula caused by perforated appendicitis. This rare case highlights unusual connections between the appendix and urachus.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
Background:
- Urachal cysts are congenital remnants with potential for infection.
- Perforated appendicitis can lead to intra-abdominal abscesses and fistulous tracts.
- Appendico-urachal cyst fistula is an extremely rare complication.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of complicated appendicitis.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed a urachal cyst with an appendicolith and a fistulous connection to the appendix.
- The urachal cyst was infected, indicating a secondary complication.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a rare appendico-urachal cyst fistula secondary to perforated appendicitis.
- An appendicolith within the infected urachal cyst was a key finding.
- CT imaging was crucial in diagnosing this complex anatomical abnormality.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare complications arising from perforated appendicitis.
- It underscores the importance of considering unusual fistulous pathways in pediatric abdominal infections.
- Highlights the diagnostic utility of advanced imaging in identifying complex congenital anomalies and their complications.
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