Mucocele of the appendix: An unusual cause of lower abdominal pain in a patient with ulcerative colitis-. A case report and review of literature

The authors report the case of a 60-year-old male patient. In November 2001 he developed intestinal symptoms of bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Colononoscopy and biopsy established the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (proctosigmoiditis). The disease activity was moderate at the beginning. No significant laboratory alterations were found (including CEA, CA19-9), and mesalazine was started orally. He was in remission until November 2003, when he was admitted to our Outpatient Clinic for upper and right lower abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Colonoscopy found proctosigmoiditis with a moderate activity, gastroscopy revealed chronic gastritis, laboratory data was normal. Treatment was amended with mesalazine clysma and methylprednisolone (16 mg) orally. Symptoms ameliorated; however, right lower abdominal pain persisted. US and CT examinat'on demonstrated a pericecal cystic mass (11 cm×3.5 cm). At first pericecal abscess was suspected, as the previous US examination (6 mo earlier) had revealed normal findings. Fine needie aspiration was performed. Cytology confirmed the diagnosis of mucocele. The patientunderwent partial cecum resection and extirpation of the mucocele. He recovered well and the final histology revealed a cystadenoma of the appendix. Follow up was started. The pati雗t is now free of symptoms. Although primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is uncommon, the authors emphasize that preoperative diagnosis of an underlying malignancy in a mucocele is important for pati雗t management; however, it is difficult on imaging studies.

Bilateral Ectopic Kidneys Presenting as Lower Abdominal Pain

Background: Bilateral Ectopic Kidney is uncommon and usually diagnosed during a routine medical checkup. It could be misdiagnosed as an abdominopelvic mass. In-depth knowledge of its presentation will aid in its management. A poor anatomical relation of the kidneys with other abdominopelvic organs could lead to renal complications and surgical errors. This is of gynaecological importance and worthy of discussion for a lady of her reproductive age. Case presentation: A 20-year-old nulliparous lady of African descent presented with a long-standing history of dull lower abdominal pain. The pain has been intermittent and occasionally associated with a sensation of movement in the lower abdomen. She has a regular and normal menstrual cycle and has no lower urinary tract symptoms. Physical examination was unremarkable with intact secondary sexual characteristics. The abdomen was soft, non-tender and without any organomegaly. Abdominal ultrasonography, renal pyelogram and urinalysis were carried out after her consent was sought in accordance with the institution’s protocol. Urine analysis was normal and culture was negative. However further imaging revealed a bilateral pelvic ectopic kidney. Conclusion: Most of the cases reported are usually unilateral ectopic kidneys. It is, therefore, our belief that this information will be useful to medical practitioners such as surgeons, urologists, radiologists and gynaecologists. Such a diagnosis will enable clinicians to follow up with the client and preserve the renal function whiles preventing iatrogenic injuries during surgical procedures.