Omental Infarction Mimicking Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report

Acute abdominal pain is a common presentation in emergency departments, often attributed to a myriad of potential causes. Among these, acute appendicitis remains a frequently diagnosed culprit. However, this case report presents a 32-year-old male who arrived at the emergency department with severe right lower quadrant abdominal pain, characterized by localized tenderness and guarding. The initial clinical diagnosis pointed to acute appendicitis. Before surgical intervention, a computed tomography scan was conducted and revealed a focal area of fat stranding, consistent with omental infarction, while the appendix appeared normal. The patient's management involved pain control and supportive care, leading to a complete resolution of abdominal pain at a two-week follow-up. This case emphasizes the significance of including omental infarction in the spectrum of diagnoses for acute abdominal pain, underlining the potential to prevent unnecessary surgical interventions.