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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Dengue fever mimicking acute appendicitis: A case report
M E C McFarlane1, J M Plummer, P A Leake
1Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthetics and Intensive Care, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|October 8, 2013
Summary
Dengue fever can rarely mimic appendicitis, presenting with abdominal pain. Early diagnosis through blood tests showing leucopenia is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgery for this viral illness.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Dengue fever is a viral illness typically causing mild fever but can manifest severely.
- Severe dengue includes dengue hemorrhagic fever and toxic shock syndrome.
- Rarely, dengue presents with abdominal symptoms, mimicking acute appendicitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of dengue fever presenting as acute appendicitis.
- To highlight the importance of considering dengue in appendicitis-like presentations.
- To emphasize diagnostic clues for dengue in such cases.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 13-year-old male with fever, right iliac fossa pain, and vomiting.
- Diagnostic workup included abdominal ultrasound and appendicectomy.
- Blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia and leucopenia, leading to dengue fever confirmation via ELISA.
Main Results:
- Surgery revealed a normal appendix with enlarged mesenteric nodes.
- Complete blood count showed thrombocytopenia and leucopenia.
- Dengue fever was confirmed serologically.
Conclusions:
- Dengue fever can present atypically with abdominal symptoms mimicking appendicitis.
- Suspect dengue during outbreaks in patients with unusual symptoms and cytopenias.
- Leucopenia in blood tests can aid in differentiating dengue from suppurative appendicitis, preventing unnecessary surgery.
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