Urological manifestations of acute appendicitis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Appendicitis diagnosis is often complicated by variable presentations and anatomical locations of the appendix.
• Diagnostic insecurity arises from symptom overlap with other acute abdominal conditions.
• Appendicitis rarely mimics acute genitourinary disorders, posing diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• Three cases of confirmed appendicitis presenting with symptoms mimicking acute urological conditions are presented.
• These included gross hematuria, acute prostatitis, and acute pyelonephritis.
• Previously unreported presentations involved appendicitis mimicking acute prostatitis and renal calix rupture with urine extravasation.

Findings:

• Appendicitis can present with urinary symptoms such as gross hematuria.
• Unusual presentations include mimicking acute prostatitis and post-ureteral obstruction complications.
• The appendix's location can lead to symptoms that confound urological diagnoses.

Implications:

• Surgeons must consider appendicitis in the differential diagnosis of acute urological disorders.
• Awareness of appendicitis's atypical urological manifestations is crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis.
• This broadens the understanding of appendicitis's clinical spectrum and improves patient management.