Vanek's tumour mimicking an acute appendicitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Abdominal Imaging

Background:

• Inflammatory Fibroid Polyps (IFP), or Vanek's tumour, are rare, benign submucosal lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
• IFPs commonly occur in the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, with rare occurrences in the caecum and appendix.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp (IFP) presenting as right iliac fossa pain, mimicking acute appendicitis.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and surgical management of IFP in young women of childbearing age.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 28-year-old female with acute right iliac fossa pain.
• Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an inflamed tubular structure originating from the caecum, simulating appendicitis.
• Histological examination confirmed the mass as an Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp (Vanek's tumour).

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis, including right iliac fossa pain, nausea, and fever.
• Imaging demonstrated a caecal mass, with the appendix appearing normal.
• Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of IFP (Vanek's tumour).

Conclusions:

• Right iliac fossa pain in young women necessitates a broad differential diagnosis, including rare conditions like IFP.
• The histiogenesis of IFP remains unclear, requiring high intra-operative suspicion.
• Surgical options for caecal IFP range from limited resection to right hemicolectomy.