Perforation of ileum by unnoticed toothpick ingestion presenting as acute appendicitis: A case report

Many distinct pathologic disorders can cause acute abdomen, and it can be challenging for doctors to distinguish between them. Appendicitis and small bowel perforation are two examples. This case is being reported to highlight a rare instance in which acute appendicitis can be mistaken for ileal perforation by sharp solid objects.

We discuss the case of a 9-year-old boy who arrived at our hospital complaining of right iliac fossa abdominal pain that started two days earlier with no other associated symptoms. Physical examination revealed right iliac fossa tenderness and rebound tenderness. The results of the imaging and laboratory tests were inconclusive; therefore, the patient was admitted for observation and further assessment. Re-evaluation 4 h after admission found no clinical improvement, and abdominal examination revealed guarding and rebound tenderness, prompting the surgical team to opt for an appendectomy. During surgery, an elliptical incision was made to remove a sharp foreign body penetrating the ileum.

Even during surgery, diagnosing acute appendicitis is difficult. Some cases of small bowel perforation caused by foreign body ingestion have been linked to a clinical picture similar to acute appendicitis, while others present with acute peritoneal signs. This report describes a sealed ileal perforation by a sharp solid object, manifested as acute appendicitis.

Perforation of the small bowel by sharp solid objects may easily be missed on imaging, probably related to their ability to seal off the resulting perforation. A sharp solid object's perforation seems to cause localized tenderness mimicking appendicitis.