Acute Appendicitis in Situs Inversus Totalis: A Case Report

Left-sided acute appendicitis (LSAA) is a rare cause of acute pain in the abdomen and is associated with developmental anomalies such as situs inversus (viscus) totalis (SIT) and midgut malrotation (MM). Due to the rarity along with the atypical presentation, diagnosis of LSAA is difficult, and if it is not managed timely, complications of appendicitis such as perforation can result. Imaging including contrast-enhanced CT scans and ultrasound aids in establishing the diagnosis. In case of a diagnostic dilemma, a diagnostic laparoscopy is an optimal option that offers diagnostic as well as therapeutic benefits. Operative intervention, preferably laparoscopic, is the standard treatment of LSAA. We report a case of appendicitis in a 36-year-old man with SIT detected radiologically who presented with pain in the left side of the lower abdomen for two days. Minimal tenderness was noted on the left iliac fossa during per abdominal examination. Abdominal ultrasonography was showing probe tenderness in the left iliac fossa, and contrast CT of the abdomen was suggestive of appendicitis with SIT. The patient was managed by laparoscopic appendicectomy. Therefore, we conclude that LSAA should be listed in the differentials of the various causes of left-sided pain in patients with SIT or MM. Clinical diagnosis is often difficult, and CT scan is crucial to establish the diagnosis as well as confirm rotational anomalies. Surgery, preferably laparoscopic, represents the appropriate treatment of LSAA.