Appendicitis combined with Meckel’s diverticulum obstruction, perforation, and inflammation in children: Three case reports

BACKGROUND Meckel’s diverticulum is a common congenital malformation of the small intestine,with the three most common complications being obstruction,per-foration,and inflammation.To date,only a few cases have been reported world-wide.In children,the clinical symptoms are similar to appendicitis.As most of the imaging features are nonspecific,the preoperative diagnosis is not precise.In addition,the clinical characteristics are highly similar to pediatric acute appendicitis,thus special attention is necessary to distinguish Meckel’s diver-ticulum from pediatric appendicitis.Patients with poor disease control should undergo laparoscopic exploration to avoid serious complications,including intestinal necrosis,intestinal perforation and gastrointestinal bleeding.CASE SUMMARY This report presents three cases of appendicitis in children combined with intestinal obstruction,which was caused by fibrous bands(ligaments)arising from the top part of Meckel's diverticulum,diverticular perforation,and diver-ticular inflammation.All three patients,aged 11-12 years,had acute appendicitis as their initial clinical presentation.All were treated by laparoscopic surgery with a favorable outcome.A complete dataset including clinical presentation,dia-gnostic imaging,surgical information,and histopathologic findings was also provided.CONCLUSION Preoperative diagnosis of Meckel’s diverticulum and its complications is challenging because its clinical signs and complications are similar to those of appendicitis in children.Laparoscopy combined with laparotomy is useful for diagnosis and treatment.

Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis treatment for periappendiceal abscess: A case report

BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency.At present,the main treatments for periappendiceal abscess include antibiotics and surgery.However,the complications and mortality of emergency surgery are high.The preferred therapy is conservative treatment with antibiotics first,ultrasound-guided puncture drainage or surgical treatment is followed when necessary.Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy(ERAT)for acute uncomplicated appendicitis have been proved clinically effective,but it is rarely used in periap-pendiceal abscess.CASE SUMMARY We report a patient admitted to hospital because of“right lower abdominal pain for six days”.The computerized tomography(CT)of patient showed that appendicitis with fecaliths and abscess in the pelvis.The patient was treated by CT-guided puncture and drainage of abdominal abscess combined with ERAT to remove appendiceal fecaliths,irrigation and stent placement.CONCLUSION The patient did not receive surgery because of impoverished family.Abdominal pain did not recur during the follow-up period.This case confirms the value of ERAT in the treatment of periappendiceal abscess.

Added value of ratio of cross diameters of the appendix in ultrasound diagnosis of acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND The maximum outer diameter(MOD)of the appendix is an essential parameter for diagnosing acute appendicitis,but there is space for improvement in ultrasound(US)diagnostic performance.AIM To investigate whether combining the ratio of the cross diameters(RATIO)of the appendix with MOD of the appendix can enhance the diagnostic performance of acute appendicitis.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted,and medical records of 233 patients with acute appendicitis and 112 patients with a normal appendix were reviewed.The MOD and RATIO of the appendix were calculated and tested for their diagnostic performance of acute appendicitis,both individually and in combination.RESULTS The RATIO for a normal appendix was 1.32±0.16,while for acute appendicitis it was 1.09±0.07.The cut-off value for RATIO was determined to be≤1.18.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)for diagnosing acute appendicitis using RATIO≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm was 0.870 and 0.652,respectively.There was a significant difference in AUC between RATIO≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm(P<0.0001).When comparing the combination of RATIO≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm with MOD>6 mm alone,the combination showed increased specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and AUC.However,the sensitivity and negative predictive value decreased.CONCLUSION Combining RATIO of the appendix≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm can significantly improve the specificity,PPV,and AUC in the US diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Bilharzia Appendicitis: Incidence in a Commune in Mali, about 3CAS

Appendicitis bilharzia is a very rare condition and we report 3 cases of this pathology that sense clinical and biological similarities with bacterial appendicitis. The etiological diagnosis was exclusively histopathological, this allowed to highlight eggs of Schistosome in the appendicular wall in the three patients. The surgical treatment was supplemented by a specific medical treatment based on praziquantel. The surgical suites were simple for 2 patients, complicated by superficial parietal suppuration in a patient.

Analysis of the Clinical Value of Surgical Treatment and Postoperative Anti-Infection Treatment of Acute Suppurative Appendicitis

Objective: To explore the clinical value of surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment for acute suppurative appendicitis. Methods: A total of 116 patients with acute suppurative appendicitis were enrolled in this study. The collection period was from December 2021 to December 2023. The patients were randomly grouped into a control group (surgical treatment) and an observation group (surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment), of 58 patients each. At the end of the treatment, the results of each index of the two groups were compared. Results: The length of hospitalization time, exhaust time, and incidence of complications in the observation group were shorter than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It is crucial to perform anti-infective treatment promptly after surgical treatment in patients with acute suppurative appendicitis. It can effectively prevent the occurrence of complications and improve the clinical efficacy. Hence, it is worthy of research and promotion.

Systemic inflammation response index and systemic immune-inflammation index for predicting complications of acute appendicitis:A retrospective study

Objective:To investigate the value of systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI)and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII)in predicating acute appendicitis complications based on hemogram parameters.Methods:Demographic data,histopathological studies,and laboratory results of the patients who were admitted to the emergency department with a complaint of abdominal pain between January 2020 and June 2022 and were hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis for operation by general surgery were examined.Simple appendicitis and complicated appendicitis groups were compared in terms of parameters according to their histopathological examinations.Results:A total of 220 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in our study.Mean SIRI levels were found to be significantly higher in the complicated appendicitis group than in the simple appendicitis group[6.60(4.07,14.40)vs.3.50(2.20,6.80);P=0.002].Similarly,SII levels were found to be significantly higher in the complicated appendicitis group compared to the simple appendicitis group[2514.50(1132.25,5388.00)vs.1207.00(571.50,2089.00),P<0.001].The power of SIRI and SII to indicate complications was higher than white blood cell count and C-reactive protein(area under the curve:0.753 and 0.786,respectively).Conclusion:SIRI and SII could be used to indicate complications in patients with acute appendicitis.

Colonoscopy-induced acute appendicitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Colonoscopy is widely used for examination,diagnosis,and treatment because of its low incidence of associated complications.Post-colonoscopy appendicitis(PCA)is very rare and is easily misdiagnosed as electrocoagulation syndrome or colon perforation.Therefore,clinicians should pay close attention to this complication.CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old female patient underwent a colonoscopy for a systematic physical examination,and the procedure was uneventful with normal endoscopic and histologic findings.However,the bowel preparation was suboptimal(Boston 2-3-2).After the examination,the patient experienced pain in the lower abdomen,which progressively worsened.Computed tomography of the lower abdomen and pelvis revealed appendiceal calcular obstruction and appendicitis.As the patient refused surgery,she was managed with antibiotics and recovered well.CONCLUSION In the current literature,the definition of PCA remains unclear.However,abdominal pain after colonoscopy should be differentiated from acute appen-dicitis.

Acute peritonitis secondary to post-traumatic appendicitis:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Blunt abdominal trauma has rarely been reported as a cause of acute appendicitis in the literature.However,the coexistence of the two conditions can cause issues for the patient.We present here a systematic review of cases of traumatic appendicitis as well as our own experience with a 12-year-old male patient.CASE SUMMARY A 12-year-old male was admitted 3 d after abdominal trauma,experiencing peritoneal syndrome.A pelvic formation was discovered during abdominal ultrasound,and surgical exploration revealed a perforated appendix.A literature review was conducted applying the keywords“appendicitis,”“abdominal,”and“trauma”to the PubMed,Embase,and Medline databases.Our initial search included 529 papers published between 1991 and 2022,of which 33 papers were finally included.They revealed 51 reported cases.The trauma mechanisms included road traffic accidents,falls,assaults,ball accidents,a horse kick,and a colonoscopy.Eight patients underwent surgical exploration with no prior radiological investigation,and twenty-six patients underwent an initial radiological examination.All reports indicated a perforated appendix.CONCLUSION Acute traumatic appendicitis represents a diagnostic quandary that can be misdiagnosed resulting in significant morbidity and potential mortality.A high level of suspicion combined with radiological examination may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Epidemiological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Characteristics of Acute Appendicitis at the Reference Health Center in Commune I of the District of Bamako Mali

Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency. This work is a prospective study from January 2012 to December to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of acute appendicitis in the Cs ref of commune I of the district of Bamako and the results obtained were then compared with those reported in other countries. Our study included 72 patients. The appendectomy surgical specimens were the subject of an anatomical pathology study at Point G University Hospital in Bamako in Mali, 1.4% of cases of which were healthy. All our operated patients received antibiotics (mono or dual antibiotics) with a post-operative hospitalization duration of 1.5 (36 hours) days on average. We recorded 6 complications such as parietal suppuration, i.e. 8.33% of cases. No 5th day syndrome or late complications were noted. The average length of hospitalization was 36 hours. Abdominal ultrasound;used as an additional examination was carried out in 55 of our patients or 76.39% of cases. We have not recorded any deaths. Raising awareness among patients about the dangers of complications motivated patients to undergo surgery as soon as possible.

Epidemiological-Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Acute Appendicitis at the Reference Health Center of Commune III (C.S.Ref CIII) of the District of Bamako

Objectives: It was to determine the epidemiological-clinical and therapeutic aspects of acute appendicitis at the Reference Health Center of Commune III of the district of Bamako. Methodology: This was a prospective study from January 1 to December 31, 2020 including patients operated for acute appendicitis and confirmed at histology and cases of abscess and appendicular plastron. Results: We collected 60 cases of acute appendicitis. They accounted for 17.29% of surgical indications. The average age of our patients was 25.5 years. The male sex was the most represented at 63% with a sex ratio of 1.72. The Pain in the right iliac fossa was the most represented reason for consultation with 76.7%. It was at the type of bite 70% of the cases. On physical examination the defense of the right iliac fossa was present in 96.7%. Digestive signs were marked by nausea 28.4% (17 patients) and vomiting 25% (15 patients). The digital rectal exam was painful to the right of the Douglas fir in 76.7% of our patients. In biology a complete blood count (CBC) performed in all our patients has objectified hyper leukocytosis in 80% of cases. The reactive protein (CRP) performed in 36 patients was elevated with values between 18 and 46 mg/ml. The imaging performed was an abdominal ultrasound that found a roundel image of the appendix with increased size in 65%. Surgical treatment consisted of classical Mac Burney appendectomy in 54 patients (90%). The gesture performed was an appendectomy in all our patients. All our appendectomy parts were sent for pathological examination. This examination classified the parts as non-specific appendicitis in 60%, phlegmonous appendicitis in 22% and catarrhal appendicitis in 18% of cases. Surgical follow-up was simple in 98.4% (59 patients) and morbidity was marked by digestive fistula in one patient. We recorded one case of death (1.6%). Conclusion: Acute appendicitis remains the most common surgical emergency in commune III of the district of Bamako. It is a pathology that can be found at all ages of life. Its morbidity and mortality are low subject to early diagnosis and management.

Unusual Cause of Acute Appendicitis: Bone Fragment

Foreign bodies are a rare cause of appendicitis, because in most cases these ingested foreign bodies cross the digestive tract asymptomatically [1] [2] [3]. However, some penetrate the lumen of the appendix causing its inflammation. We report an unusual observation of acute appendicitis induced by a foreign body namely a bone fragment in the visceral surgery department of the Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Villeneuve Saint-Georges.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Appendectomy Compared to Laparotomy in the Treatment of Acute Appendicitis

Objective:To analyze the clinical effects of laparoscopic appendectomy compared to traditional laparotomy in treating acute appendicitis.Methods:90 patients with acute appendicitis were selected as research subjects.They were divided into a control group and an observation group,with 45 cases in each group.The control group underwent traditional laparotomy,while the observation group underwent laparoscopic appendectomy.The intraoperative indicators,postoperative recovery indicators,postoperative stress indicators,and postoperative complications of the two groups were compared.Results:The operative time of the observation group was longer,but the incision length was shorter and the blood loss was lesser(P<0.05);the observation group had shorter postoperative first gas-passing time,recovery of gastrointestinal function,ambulation time,and lower postoperative pain score.The observation group had lower postoperative stress index levels(P<0.05);the observation group had a lower postoperative complication rate(P<0.05).Conclusion:Aside from prolonging the operative time,laparoscopic appendectomy is more ideal than traditional laparotomy in all other indicators and has better therapeutic effects in treating acute appendicitis.

Endoscopic treatment for acute appendicitis with coexistent acute pancreatitis: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Appendectomy is the procedure of choice for the treatment of acute appendicitis.However,surgery may not be appropriate for patients with coexisting severe illness or comorbidities such as acute pancreatitis(AP).Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis treatment(ERAT)may be a novel alternative to surgery for treating such patients where existing medical therapies have failed.CASE SUMMARY We report 2 cases of moderately severe AP who developed acute uncomplicated appendicitis during their hospital stay and did not respond to traditional medical therapy.One patient had moderately severe AP due to hyperlipidemia,while the other patient had a gallstone induced by moderately severe AP.Neither patient was fit to undergo an appendectomy procedure because of the concurrent AP.Therefore,the alternative and minimally invasive ERAT was considered.After written informed consent was collected from the patients,the ERAT procedure was performed.Both patients exhibited fast postoperative recovery after ERAT with minimal surgical trauma.CONCLUSION ERAT is a safe and effective minimally invasive endoscopic procedure for acute appendicitis in patients with coexistent AP.

Is endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy a better modality for acute uncomplicated appendicitis? A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Previous studies had shown endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy(ERAT)is an effective treatment for acute appendicitis.However,different studies reported conflicting outcomes regarding the effectiveness of ERAT in comparison with laparoscopic appendectomy(LA).AIM To compare the effectiveness of ERAT with LA.METHODS Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and retrospective studies of ERAT for acute uncomplicated appendicitis were searched in PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase database,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),the WanFang Database,and Chinese Scientific Journals Database(VIP)from the establishment date to March 12021.Heterogeneity was assessed using the Isquared statistic.Pooled odds ratios(OR),weighted mean difference(WMD),and standard mean difference(SMD),with 95%confidence intervals(CI)were calculated through either fixed-effects or random-effects model.Sensitivity analysis was also performed.Publication bias was tested by Egger's test,and Begg’s test.The quality of included RCT were evaluated by the Jadad scale,while Newcastle-Ottawa scale is adopted for assessing the methodological quality of case-control studies.All statistical analysis was performed using Stata 15.1 statistical software.All statistical analysis was performed using Stata 15.1 statistical software.This study is registered with PROSPERO,CRD42021243955.RESULTS After screening,10 RCTs and 2 case-control studies were included in the current systematic review.Firstly,the length of hospitalizations[WMD=-1.15,95%CI:-1.99,-0.31;P=0.007]was shorter than LA group.Secondly,the level of postoperative CRP[WMD=-10.06,95%CI:(-17.39,-2.73);P=0.007],TNF-α[WMD=-7.70,95%CI:(-8.47,-6.93);P<0.001],and IL-6 Levels[WMD=-9.78,95%CI:(-10.69,-8.88);P<0.001;P<0.001]in ERAT group was significantly lower than LA group.Thirdly,ERAT group had a lower incidence of intestinal obstruction than LA group.[OR=0.19,95%CI:(0.05,0.79);P=0.020].Moreover,the quality of 10 RCTs were low with 0-3 Jadad scores,while the methodological quality of two case-control studies were fair with a score of 2(each).CONCLUSION Compared with LA,ERAT reduces operation time,the level of postoperative inflammation,and results in fewer complications and shorter recovery time,with preserving the appendix and its immune and biological functions.

Usefulness of the Pediatric Appendicitis Score and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio for Assessing the Complicated Appendicitis in Children

Introduction: Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common surgical disease which occurs in almost all age groups, and especially in childhood. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen. The lifetime occurrence of this disease is approximately 7%, with perforation rate of up to 20%. In spite of the well-known classical symptoms and clinical findings of acute appendicitis, early diagnosis can be sometimes challenging. For the treatment of simple appendicitis (SA) in children, the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment has been reported. We aimed to determine predictive value of combination NLR and PAS in pediatric patients with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis and complicated appendicitis Methods: Our study was performed on 480 children admitted for suspected acute appendicitis and underwent appendectomy at the MNCMCH, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia, between May 2019 and December 2019. White blood count (WBC), Neutrophil, NLR and PAS were compared between groups. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of PAS + NLR for differentiating complicated and noncomplicated appendicitis were 86.8%, 89.4%, 92.1% and 76% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of PAS + NLR for diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 90.5%, 68.1%, 97.68% and 32.6% respectively. Conclusion: In the era of conservative antibiotic-based management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis, we advocate that combination of NLR and PAS is a useful aid in predicting complicated appendicitis.

Managing acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jiaxing, China

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19)is a global pandemic and has had a profound impact on our routine surgical activities.Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency worldwide.Therefore,it is highly essential to assess the influence the pandemic has on acute appendicitis.AIM To assess the efficacy of the management of acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 90 patients who presented with acute appendicitis during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Jiaxing,China.Clinical data regarding appendectomies patients were also collected for the corresponding time frame from 2019.Preoperative management,intraoperative protective measures,and postoperative management were conducted.RESULTS After screening,six patients were identified as unqualified due to fever and were then referred to the COVID-19 expert group.The results of the nucleic acid test were negative.Of the 76 patients enrolled in the simple group,nine patients received medication therapy,and all others underwent surgery.From this same group,66 patients were diagnosed with suppurative appendicitis,and one patient was diagnosed with perforated appendicitis after surgery.There were 14 patients in the complex group,for which the postoperative diagnosis indicated perforated appendicitis.The proportion of men with perforated appendicitis was higher than that in 2019(P<0.05).The chief complaint duration for perforated appendicitis patients in 2020 was longer than that in 2019(P<0.05).The routine blood test showed that white blood cell counts and neutrophil ratios were higher in perforated appendicitis patients in 2020 than in 2019(P<0.05).The ratio of open appendectomies to the amount of mean blood loss during surgery was greater in 2020 than in 2019(P<0.05).Online consultation after discharge was selected in 59 cases(65.6%).No perioperative infection with COVID-19 or long-term postoperative complications were found.CONCLUSION The management of acute appendicitis from Jiaxing effectively reduced the influence of the pandemic and minimized the risk of nosocomial infection.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with presumed diagnosis of acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis(AAp) is the most frequent cause of acute abdominal pain,and appendectomy is the most frequent emergency procedure that is performed worldwide.The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic has caused delays in managing diseases requiring emergency approaches such as AAp and trauma.AIM To compare the demographic,clinical,and histopathological outcomes of patients with AAp who underwent appendectomy during pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods.METHODS The demographic,clinical,biochemical,and histopathological parameters were evaluated and compared in patients who underwent appendectomy with the presumed diagnosis of AAp in the pre-COVID-19(October 2018-March 2020) and COVID-19(March 2020-July 2021) periods.RESULTS Admissions to our tertiary care hospital for AAp increased 44.8% in the COVID-19 period.PreCOVID-19(n = 154) and COVID-19(n = 223) periods were compared for various parameters,and we found that there were statistically significant differences in terms of variables such as procedures performed on the weekdays or weekends [odds ratio(OR):1.76;P = 0.018],presence of AAp findings on ultrasonography(OR:15.4;P < 0.001),confirmation of AAp in the histopathologic analysis(OR:2.6;P = 0.003),determination of perforation in the appendectomy specimen(OR:2.2;P = 0.004),the diameter of the appendix(P < 0.001),and hospital stay(P = 0.003).There was no statistically significant difference in terms of interval between the initiation of symptoms and admission to the hospital between the pre-COVID-19(median:24 h;interquartile range:34) and COVID-19(median:36 h;interquartile range:60) periods(P = 0.348).The interval between the initiation of symptoms until the hospital admission was significantly longer in patients with perforated AAp regardless of the COVID-19 or pre-COVID-19 status(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION The present study showed that in the COVID-19 period,the ultrasonographic determination rate of AAp,perforation rate of AAp,and duration of hospital stay increased.On the other hand,negative appendectomy rate decreased.There was no statistically significant delay in hospital admissions that would delay the diagnosis of AAp in the COVID-19 period.

Acute appendicitis: Epidemiology, treatment and outcomesanalysis of 16544 consecutive cases

AIM To investigate the epidemiology,treatment and outcomes of acute appendicitis(AA) in a large population study.METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study derived from the administrative dataset of the Bergamo district healthcare system(more than 1 million inhabitants) from 1997 to 2013.Data about treatment,surgery,length of stay were collected.Moreover for each patients were registered data about relapse of appendicitis and hospital admission due to intestinal obstruction.RESULTS From 1997 to 2013 in the Bergamo district we collected 16544 cases of AA,with a crude incidence rate of 89/100000 inhabitants per year; mean age was 24.51 ± 16.17,54.7% were male and the mean Charlson's comorbidity index was 0.32 ± 0.92.Mortality was < 0.0001%.Appendectomy was performed in 94.7% of the patients and the mean length of stay was 5.08 ± 2.88 d; the cumulative hospital stay was 5.19 ± 3.36 d and 1.2% of patients had at least one further hospitalization due intestinal occlusion.Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 48% of cases.Percent of 5.34 the patients were treated conservatively with a mean length of stay of 3.98 ± 3.96 d; the relapse rate was 23.1% and the cumulative hospital stay during the study period was 5.46 ± 6.05 d.CONCLUSION The treatment of acute appendicitis in Northern Italy is slowly changing,with the large diffusion of laparoscopic approach; conservative treatment of non-complicated appendicitis is still a neglected option,but rich of promising results.

Acute appendicitis following endoscopic mucosal resection of cecal adenoma

Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) allows the removal of flat or sessile lesions, laterally spreading tumors, and carcinoma of the colon or the rectum limited to the mucosa or the superficial submucosa. Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency requiring emergency surgery, and it is also a rare complication of diagnostic colonoscopy and therapeutic endoscopy, including EMR. In the case presented here, a 53-year-old female underwent colonoscopy due to a positive fecal occult blood test and was diagnosed with cecal adenoma. She was referred to our hospital and admitted for treatment. The patient had no other symptoms. EMR was performed, and 7 h after the surgery, the patient experienced right-lower abdominal pain. Laboratory tests performed the following day revealed a WBC count of 16000/mm3, a neutrophil count of 14144/mm3, and a C-reactive protein level of 2.20 mg/d L, indicating an inflammatory response. Computed tomography also revealed appendiceal wall thickening and swelling, so acute appendicitis following EMR was diagnosed. Antibiotics were initiated leading to total resolution of the symptoms, and the patient was discharged on the sixth post-operative day. Pathological analysis revealed a high-grade cecal tubular adenoma. Such acute appendicitis following EMR is extremely rare, and EMR of the cecum may be a rare cause of acute appendicitis.

Unusual histopathological findings in appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected acute appendicitis

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and implications of unusual histopathological findings in appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected acute appendicitis. METHODS: The demographic and histopathological data of 1621 patients (≥ 16 years-old) who underwent appendectomy to treat an initial diagnosis of acute appendicitis between January 1999 and November 2011 were retrospectively assessed. Microscopic findings were used to classify the patients under six categories: appendix vermiformis, phlegmonous appendicitis, gan- grenous appendicitis, perforated appendicitis, supurative appendicitis, and unusual histopathologic findings. The demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with unusual histopathologic findings were evaluated in detail, and re-analysis of archived resected appendix specimens was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 912 males and 709 females, from16 to 94 years old, were included in the study and comprised 789 cases of suppurative appendicitis, 370 cases of appendix vermiformis, 243 cases of perforated gangrenous appendicitis, 53 cases of flegmaneous appendicitis, 32 cases of gangrenous appendicitis, and 134 (8.3%) cases of unusual histopathological findings. The unusual histopathological findings included fibrous obliteration (n = 62), enterobius vermicularis (n = 31), eosinophilic infiltration (n = 10), mucinous cystadenoma (n = 8), carcinoid tumor (n = 6), granulomatous inflammation (n = 5), adenocarcinoma (n = 4; one of them mucinous), and mucocele (n = 3), adenomatous polyp (n = 1), taenia sup (n = 1), ascaris lumbricoides (n = 1), appendiceal diverticula (n = 1), and B cell non-hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1). None of the 11 patients with subsequent diagnosis of tumor were suspected of cancer prior to the appendectomy. CONCLUSION: Even when the macroscopic appearance of appendectomy specimens is normal, histopathological assessment will allow early diagnosis of many unusual diseases.