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Appendicitis associated with intestinal malrotation: imaging diagnosis features. Case report.
Radu Badea1, Nadim Al Hajjar, Vasile Andreica
1Department of Ultrasound, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj Napoca, Romania.
Medical Ultrasonography
|June 8, 2012
Summary
Diagnosing acute appendicitis is challenging with intestinal malrotation due to abnormal cecal positioning. This case highlights how ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) successfully identified appendicitis in a malrotated patient.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Intestinal malrotation is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Abnormal cecal position complicates appendicitis diagnosis.
- Imaging modalities are crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of acute appendicitis in a patient with intestinal malrotation.
- To emphasize the diagnostic utility of US and CT in such cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 54-year-old male with non-specific abdominal complaints.
- Utilized standard and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (US).
- Performed computed tomography (CT) scans.
Main Results:
- US and CT scans accurately identified acute appendicitis.
- The condition was associated with a malrotated cecum and ascending colon.
- The appendix was located in the left hypochondrium.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography and CT are valuable tools for diagnosing appendicitis in the presence of intestinal malrotation.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for timely surgical intervention.
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