Plastron Appendicitis Mimicking a Malignant Adnexal Mass: Insights From 18 F-FDG PET/CT

Muhammet Halil Baltacioglu1

  • 1Department of Nuclear Medicine, SBU Trabzon Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Ortahisar, Trabzon, Turkey.

PubMed

Insights

Plastron appendicitis, a rare appendicitis complication, presents as an inflammatory mass mimicking cancer. Advanced imaging like 18F-FDG PET/CT aids in accurate diagnosis, distinguishing it from malignant conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Plastron appendicitis is a rare complication of acute appendicitis, occurring in 4-5% of cases.
  • It presents as a localized, encapsulated inflammatory mass.
  • Its mass-like appearance can be mistaken for malignant pathologies, especially adnexal masses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present the imaging findings of plastron appendicitis using 18F-FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by this rare condition.
  • To emphasize the role of advanced imaging in differentiating plastron appendicitis from malignancy.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a patient with suspected malignant adnexal mass.
  • Utilized 18F-FDG PET/CT for advanced imaging.
  • Employed contrast-enhanced CT for detailed anatomical assessment.

Main Results:

  • Imaging findings of plastron appendicitis were documented.
  • The case initially presented as a suspected malignant adnexal mass.
  • Advanced imaging was key in the diagnostic process.

Conclusions:

  • Plastron appendicitis is a rare but important differential diagnosis for adnexal masses.
  • 18F-FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT are valuable tools for diagnosis.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.