Related Experiment Videos
Campylobacter ileocolitis mimicking acute appendicitis: differentiation with graded-compression US
J B Puylaert1, R I Lalisang, S D van der Werf
1Department of Radiology, Westeinde Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Radiology
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Ultrasound imaging can distinguish Campylobacter ileocolitis from appendicitis by showing ileocecal inflammation, not appendiceal abnormalities. This differentiation helps avoid unnecessary appendectomies in patients with Campylobacter infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
- Campylobacter ileocolitis can present with symptoms mimicking appendicitis.
- Accurate differentiation is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of graded-compression ultrasound (US) in differentiating acute appendicitis from Campylobacter ileocolitis.
- To assess the imaging findings associated with Campylobacter ileocolitis.
Main Methods:
- Nine patients with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis underwent graded-compression ultrasound.
- Ultrasound findings were correlated with clinical outcomes and microbiological results.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound did not visualize the appendix in any patient but showed terminal ileum and colon mural thickening with enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes.
- Campylobacter jejuni infection was confirmed in all nine patients.
- Eight patients recovered without surgery, and unnecessary appendectomies were avoided in four cases.
Conclusions:
- Graded-compression ultrasound can differentiate Campylobacter ileocolitis from acute appendicitis.
- Characteristic ultrasound findings include ileocecal inflammation and lymphadenopathy, guiding conservative management for Campylobacter ileocolitis.