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[Acute diverticulitis of the cecum]
R Mandarano1, A Ciccone, P Sereni
1Presidio Ospedaliero, USL n. 22, Valtiberina Sansepolcro, Arezzo.
Minerva Chirurgica
|June 1, 1994
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of cecal diverticulitis presenting as an abscess, mimicking acute appendicitis. Surgical intervention revealed the abscess originated from a cecal diverticulum, not the appendix, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Diverticular disease commonly affects the colon, but cecal involvement is rare.
- Diverticulitis, inflammation of diverticula, can lead to complications like abscess formation.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis.
- Laparotomy revealed a paracecal abscess originating from a cecal diverticulum; the appendix was unaffected.
Findings:
- The patient underwent surgical removal of the infected cecal diverticulum with primary closure.
- Histopathological examination confirmed suppurating infection within the diverticulum.
Implications:
- Cecal diverticulitis can mimic other acute abdominal conditions, posing diagnostic difficulties.
- Preoperative diagnosis of cecal diverticulitis is challenging, often necessitating exploratory surgery.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare pathologies in differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.