Uterine abscess as an appendicitis complication: a case report

Oğuz Lafcı1, Elif Ergün1, Hasan Yiğit1

  • 1University of Health Sciences, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Radiology Department, Ankara, TURKEY.

Abstract

Insights

This case highlights a rare complication of acute appendicitis: an abscess extending to the uterine cavity. Multimodal imaging, particularly MRI, is crucial for diagnosing such complex cases and guiding conservative treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Gynecology

Background:

  • Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
  • Rarely, appendicitis can lead to fistulas or abscesses involving adjacent organs.

Observation:

  • An 83-year-old woman presented with complicated appendicitis and an abscess involving the adnexal region and uterine cavity.
  • Diagnosis was established using ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Findings:

  • Multimodal imaging confirmed a complex abscess formation.
  • The patient was successfully treated conservatively with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics.

Implications:

  • Physicians and radiologists must consider rare appendicitis complications.
  • MRI is valuable for differentiating complex fluid collections like abscesses.

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