Simultaneous Acute Appendicitis and Isolated Common Iliac Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Case Reports

Background:

• Simultaneous presentation of acute appendicitis and common iliac artery aneurysm is exceedingly rare.
• Patients with comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension may be at increased risk for complex intra-abdominal pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of concurrent acute appendicitis and a large right common iliac artery aneurysm.
• To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by such a rare co-occurrence.

Main Methods:

• A 69-year-old male with a history of hypertension and diabetes presented with symptoms of appendicitis and a pulsatile abdominal mass.
• Computed tomography angiography confirmed acute appendicitis and a 95x75mm right common iliac artery aneurysm.
• A combined open surgical approach involving Dacron graft aneurysm repair and appendectomy was performed.

Main Results:

• Histopathology confirmed acute suppurative appendicitis and atherosclerotic changes in the aneurysm.
• The patient experienced a successful recovery with confirmed graft patency and resolution of inflammation post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent intra-abdominal vascular and gastrointestinal emergencies necessitate thorough imaging and a multidisciplinary surgical approach.
• Prompt diagnosis and combined surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in rare simultaneous conditions.