Seizure along with gastroenteritis: An atypical manifestation of appendicitis- A case report

Khosrow Najjari1, Seyed Farzad Maroufi2, Lida Mohammadi1

  • 1Sina Hospital, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Insights

Appendicitis, a common cause of acute abdomen, can present atypically. This case highlights seizure as a rare manifestation, emphasizing the need to consider abdominal issues in undiagnosed seizures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Appendicitis is a frequent cause of acute abdominal pain in children.
  • Diagnosis is typically straightforward due to characteristic symptoms.
  • Atypical presentations, especially in younger children, are documented.

Observation:

  • A young male presented with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, with a history of recent seizures.
  • Initial diagnosis suggested viral encephalitis.
  • Worsening condition led to further investigation, revealing perforated appendicitis.

Findings:

  • Perforated appendicitis can manifest with symptoms mimicking gastroenteritis, including seizures.
  • This case expands the spectrum of appendicitis presentations.

Implications:

  • Seizures and loss of consciousness in patients without prior neurological history warrant consideration of underlying abdominal pathology.
  • Early recognition of appendicitis, even with atypical symptoms like seizures, is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Abstract

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