An extremely rare appendiceal anomaly: horseshoe appendicitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Anatomy
• Medical Malformations

Background:

• Appendiceal anomalies are rare congenital malformations.
• Horseshoe appendix is an exceptionally rare variant, with few documented cases.
• Such anomalies are often discovered incidentally in adult patients.

Observation:

• A 64-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis.
• During appendectomy, a horseshoe appendix was identified.
• This anatomical variation involved a distal communication with the cecum via an additional stump.

Findings:

• The patient had a horseshoe appendix, a previously reported but rare anomaly.
• The anomaly was discovered during a standard appendectomy procedure.
• This finding represents a unique case of a horseshoe appendix.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of recognizing rare anatomical variations during surgery.
• Contributes to the limited literature on horseshoe appendix cases.
• Enhances understanding of appendiceal malformations and their surgical implications.