[Diagnostic surprises in apparently inflammatory masses of the right iliac fossa]

Most patients presenting an inflammatory mass of the right iliac fossa have a medical history suggestive of an acute appendicitis the weeks before and further investigations will confirm the diagnosis of an appendicular abscess. During the last 2 years, we have investigated and treated seven adults presenting such a mass. In a diagnostic purpose, but in way to treat the suspected abscess in the acute phase with a percutaneous drainage too, we have performed a CT of the abdomen and of the pelvis in every case. Only 3 of 7 patients had in fact a true appendicular pathology. One patient had a cecal diverticulitis with severe peri-diverticulitis, 3 other patients had a malignant lesion developed from a small intraluminal tumor but with a wide extension outside the limit of the cecum. These examples show that careful investigations are mandatory in all cases of apparent inflammatory mass of the right iliac fossa.