Isolated lesser sac infection: an uncommon cause of abdominal pain in CAPD patients
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
03:42
Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
Yun Li1, Lin-Yun Lai, Chuan-Ming Hao
1Department of Nephrology, HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
Abstract:
Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is characterized by abdominal pain and dialysate leukocytosis. Abdominal abscesses have been reported in PD patients with relapsing peritonitis. We report here 3 cases of lesser sac infection in PD patients who had severe abdominal pain but not generalized or diffuse peritonitis.
Insights
Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients can lead to lesser sac infections, presenting as severe abdominal pain without typical peritonitis signs. This highlights a distinct abdominal abscess presentation in PD patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Peritonitis is a common complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, typically presenting with abdominal pain and elevated dialysate white blood cell counts.
- Abdominal abscesses, including lesser sac infections, have been previously associated with relapsing peritonitis in PD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe three cases of lesser sac infection in PD patients.
- To highlight a distinct clinical presentation of abdominal abscesses in PD patients characterized by severe abdominal pain without generalized peritonitis.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting on three PD patients.
- Clinical data including presenting symptoms, diagnostic workup, and management were reviewed.
Main Results:
- All three patients presented with severe abdominal pain.
- None of the patients exhibited signs of generalized or diffuse peritonitis.
- Lesser sac infection was diagnosed in all three cases.
Conclusions:
- Lesser sac infection is a potential cause of severe abdominal pain in PD patients.
- This presentation can occur independently of generalized peritonitis, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation of abdominal pain in PD patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:20Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
01:27Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...