Epiploic appendagitis with acute pyelonephritis: a case report

Coexistence of acute epiploic appendagitis with acute pyelonephritis is a rare occurrence. Present study report here a case of a 36-year-old male with a past history of appendectomy presenting with complaints of pain abdomen, nausea, increased frequency of micturition and dysuria. On examination, there was tenderness and guarding in the left iliac fossa. CECT abdomen revealed resolving acute epiploic appendagitis with acute pyelonephritis. He was managed conservatively with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents to which he responded. Thus, epiploic appendagitis is a benign self-limiting condition which when diagnosed early prevents unnecessary surgical interventions.

Apendagitis epiplóica primaria / Primary epiploic appendagitis

RESUMEN La apendagitis epiploica primaria es una rara causa de dolor abdominal que puede simular cualquier otro cuadro de abdomen agudo. Esto hace de su diagnóstico un verdadero desafío. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 22 años de edad, sin antecedentes de importancia que ingresó a la sala de emergencias con un cuadro de dolor abdominal de 36 horas de evolución. En la exploración física presentó dolor a la palpación en el flanco derecho. Se le realizó una tomografía axial de abdomen contrastada en la cual se observó una imagen redondeada con un halo hiperdenso con borramiento de planos grasos y cambios inflamatorios a su alrededor sin relación a otro órgano abdominal. Con estos hallazgos hicimos el diagnóstico de una apendagitis epiploica primaria. El paciente fue ingresado a la sala de internamiento para manejo del dolor y con mejoría clínica es egresado a las 48 horas asintomático. Si bien la apendagitis epiploica primaria es una causa infrecuente de dolor abdominal, consideramos que su conocimiento es relevante para evitar errores diagnósticos y terapéuticos que incrementan de forma innecesaria la morbilidad como el uso inadecuado de antibióticos y de recursos hospitalarios(AU)

ABSTRACT Primary epiploic appendagitis is a rare cause of abdominal pain that may mimic any other acute abdomen condition. This makes its diagnosis a real challenge for physicians. Here is a 22 years-old male patient, with no significant history of diseases, who were admitted to the emergency room because he had suffered abdominal pain for 36 hours. The physical exam revealed pain on palpating the right flank. He underwent a contrasted computed tomography of abdomen which showed a rounded image with hyperdense halo, fat plane effacement and inflammatory changes around, which was unrelated to another abdominal organ. These findings allowed diagnosing primary epiploic appendagitis. The patient was hospitalized for pain management and was discharged 48 hours later with clinical improvement and no symptoms. Primary epiploic appendagitis is infrequent cause of abdominal pain, however, we consider that it is important to know it so as to avoid diagnostic and therapeutic mistakes that might unnecessarily increase morbidity and the inadequate use of antibiotics and of hospital resources(AU)

Apendagitis aguda. Presentación de un caso / Acute appendagitis. Presentation of a case

Resumen La apendagitis aguda es una causa de dolor abdominal subdiagnosticada, ya que puede simular un cuadro de diverticulitis o apendicitis. Se debe a una torsión o trombosis del pedículo vascular de un apéndice epiploico que resulta en isquemia e infarto. El diagnóstico suele ser un hallazgo radiológico; sin embargo, tiene un curso autolimitado con resolución espontánea de 5 a 7 días.

Abstract Acute appendagitis is a cause of undiagnosed abdominal pain, as it may mimic diverticulitis or appendicitis. Torsion or thrombosis of the vascular pedicle of an epiploic appendage resulting in ischemia and infarction is due. The diagnosis is usually a radiological finding; however it has a self-limited course with spontaneous resolution of 5 to 7 days.

Apendagitis: causa de dolor abdominal agudo no quirúrgico. Reporte de caso / Appendagitis: a non-surgical cause of acute abdominal pain. Case report

Resumen Antecedentes Los apéndices epiploicos son formaciones grasas, pediculadas, recubiertas de serosa, que se encuentran en la superficie externa del colon, hacia la cavidad peritoneal; su inflamación, torsión o infarto también se conoce como apendicitis epiploica o apendagitis. Caso clínico Presentamos el caso de un masculino de 35 años de edad quien acudió al Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital General Naval de Alta Especialidad por presentar dolor a nivel de la fosa iliaca derecha de inicio súbito, progresivo, el cual se protocolizó con estudios de laboratorio y gabinete, integrando el diagnóstico de probable apendicitis aguda; se realizaron hojas de solicitud quirúrgica y consentimiento informado para llevar a cabo apendicectomía abierta. Hallazgos: apéndice cecal de 5 × 1 centímetro de diámetro, de características macroscópicas normales e infarto de apéndice epiploico de colon ascendente a nivel de la válvula ileocecal. Conclusión Este caso se presenta para destacar las características clínicas de la apendagitis o apendicitis epiploica, que pueden ayudar a los médicos a sospechar esta patología benigna y llegar al diagnóstico correcto, evitando someter a un riesgo quirúrgico innecesario.

Abstract Background Epiploic appendices are pediculated, serosa-coated fat formations that are found on the outer surface of the colon, into the peritoneal cavity; their inflammation, torsion or infarction is also known as epiploic appendicitis or appendagitis. Clinical case We present the case of a 35-year-old man who went to the Emergency Service of the High Specialty Naval General Hospital because of sudden onset, progressive right iliac fossa pain, which was approached with laboratory and cabinet studies, integrating the diagnosis of probable acute appendicitis; surgical application sheets and informed consent were filled to perform open appendectomy, incidentally finding a cecal appendix 5 cm × 1 cm in diameter, with normal macroscopic characteristics, and infarction of ascending colon epiploic appendix at the ileocecal valve. Conclusion This case is presented to highlight the clinical characteristics of appendagitis or epiploic appendicitis, which can help clinicians suspect this benign pathology and reach the correct diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary surgical risk.

MSCT findings and clinical diagnostic value of acute primary epiploic appendagitis / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To analyze the MSCT characteristics in patients with acute primary epiploic appendagitis(PEA)and to explore the clinical diagnostic value.Methods The complete MSCT examination data,surgical pathology and follow-up results of 1 2 patients with acute PEA in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively.Results In 1 2 cases of acute PEA,the locations of lesion were:beside the sigmoid colon in 5 cases,beside the descending colon in 4 cases,beside the ascending colon in 2 cases and beside the cecum in 1 case;the lesion morphologies were:round or oval in 9 cases,lobulated changes in 3 cases;the lesions were all lipid density;1 2 cases showed a ring-shaped high-density shadow on the edge;1 1 cases of lesions showed high-density shadow in the center,1 case of lesion showed no high density shadow in the center;in 8 cases,there were stripe-shaped high-density exudation shadow around the fat space;only 2 lesions showed thickening of the adjacent colon wall;and in two cases,the edges of lesions in the enhanced scanning showed annular enhancement.Conclusion Acute PEA has characteristic features in the examination of MSCT (oval or ring-like fat density mass,central punctate high-density shadow,high-density marginal ring sign with or without peripheral inflammatory exudation changes). Combining the multiplanar reconstruction(MPR),it can clarify the diagnosis and show conditions of the surrounding tissue,providing important value for clinical treatment.

The combined application of low and high frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of 130 cases of acute primary epiploic appendagitis / 天津医药

@#Objective To summarize the experience of combined application of low and high frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute primary epiploic appendagitis. Methods The clinical data of 130 patients with acute primary epiploic appendagitis confirmed by operation or other clinical examinations were retrospectively analyzed. Results All the 130 patients were found homogenous or heterogeneous solid block in the area of the abdominal pressure point. Four patients were treated by operation and 126 patients were cured by symptomatic supportive treatment. There were no serious complications in all patients. Conclusion Ultrasonography plays an important role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of acute primary epiploic appendagitis.

Epiploic Appendagitis: An uncommon surgical diagnosis

Epiploic appendagitis or appendices epiploicae, is a rare cause of abdominal pain in patients with mild signs of abdominal pathology. It mimics diverticulitis or appendicitis clinically as there are no pathognomonic features. It is a surgical diagnosis presenting with localised, sharp, acute abdominal pain, not associated with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever or suggestive laboratory values. With the availability of abdominal CT scans and ultrasound, it will frequently be a differential diagnosis preventing unnecessary surgery for patients. However, it may be erroneous and therefore clinical judgement is of paramount importance. This report highlights this rare presentation and identifies management guidelines. KEY WORDS: Epiploic appendagitis; Appendices epiploicae; Appendicitis; Diverticulitis

Features and clinical value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography examination of acute primary epiploic appendagitis / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To summarize the features of multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) examination of acute primary epiploic appendagitis,and investigate the clinical value of MSCT.Methods The clinical data of 19 patients with acute primary epiploic appendagitis who were admitted to the Yangzhou No.1 Hospital from December 2009 to March 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.All the patients received MSCT examination,and the data were transported to the work station for multiplanar reconstruction.The location,shape,size,density,peripheral performance and peritoneal thickening were observed.Results The foci of the 19 patients were located adjacent to the colon.One focus was adjacent to the cecum,4 were adjacent to the ascending colon,1 was adjacent to the hepatic flexure of the colon,6 were adjacent to the descending colon,and 7 were adjacent to the sigmoid colon.The shapes of the foci were similar to the oval or ring in 14 cases and similar to the flame in 5 cases.The diameters of the foci were 0.8-3.7 cm.The results of CT plain scan showed that the density of the foci was similar to that of the fat,and the CT value was-101--34 HU.The central density of the foci was lower,while the limbic density was higher.The results of CT enhanced scan showed a ring-like enhancement region in the foci,and the lesion was surrounded by slightly high-density inflammation.Point or linear slightly high-density shadows were detected at the center of the foci in 9 patients.The peritoneum was locally thickened in 14 patients.The colonic wall was locally thickened in 1 patient,and the pelvic effusion was detected in 5 patients.The results of CT reexamination of 4 patients showed that the inflammatory regions were reduced or disappeared,the mass shrank,nodulized or calcified.Conclusions MSCT examination can provide a specific features of primary epiploic appendagitis.It could accurately diagnose acute primary epiploic appendagitis when combined with multiplanar reconstruction.

Apendagitis epiploica primaria: Clínica y evolución de 73 casos

La apendagitis epiploica primaria es una enfermedad relativamente infrecuente dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales del abdomen agudo. Describimos las características clínicas y evolución de una serie de 73 casos de apendagitis epiploica primaria. Se realizó una búsqueda de imágenes ecográficas y tomográficas con diagnóstico de apendagitis en el sistema de información hospitalario electrónico del Hospital Alemán entre abril del 2007 y julio del 2013 y posteriormente se revisaron sus historias clínicas. Se incluyeron 73 casos; la edad promedio fue de 45 años (± 16), 54 (74%) eran varones. El motivo de consulta fue dolor abdominal: en fosa ilíaca izquierda en 65 (el 89% de los casos); en fosa ilíaca derecha en seis (8%) y en otras localizaciones en dos (3%). Se les realizó ecografía abdominal a 44 (60%), tomografía computarizada a 21 (29%), y ambos estudios a 8 (11%). En el 49% de los casos se solicitó interconsulta con el servicio de cirugía. Recibieron tratamiento con antibióticos 15 (21%) pacientes, de los cuales el 73% fue indicado por un médico clínico. Recibieron tratamiento ambulatorio con antiinflamatorios no esteroides 67 (92%); dos requirieron cirugía laparoscópica, dos internación y dos opiáceos. La apendagitis epiploica es infrecuente dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales de abdomen agudo, pero es una entidad que no debe ser desconocida por los médicos para prevenir intervenciones innecesarias y el uso excesivo de antibióticos.

Primary epiploic appendagitis is a relatively rare disease in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, nonetheless it is an entity that should not be ignored by physicians and surgeons in order to prevent unnecessary interventions and overuse of antibiotics. To substantiate this concept a search was conducted at the Hospital Aleman, Buenos Aires between April 2007 and July 2013. The aim was clinical histories containing sonographic and tomographic images with diagnosis of omental appendagitis; and subsequently their electronic medical records were reviewed. The clinical features and outcome of a case series of 73 primary omental appendagitis were selected; the mean age was 45 years (± 16); 54 (74%) were men. Abdominal pain (left lower quadrant in 89% of cases) was the most common symptom. Abdominal ultrasound was performed on 44 (60%) of patients, computed tomography on 21 (29%), and both studies on 8 (11%) of cases in this series. In 49% of cases surgery consultation was requested. Fifteen patients (21%) were treated with antibiotics, 73% of them were prescribed by a clinician. Sixty seven patients (92%) were treated as outpatients with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); two required laparoscopic surgery, two required hospitalization and two others were treated with opioids. Epiploic apendagitis is uncommon in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, but is an entity that should not be ignored by physicians to prevent unnecessary interventions and overuse of antibiotics.

A Case of Epiploic Appendagitis with Acute Gastroenteritis / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Epiploic appendagitis is an inflammation of the epiploic appendage in which the small sacs projecting from the serosal layer of the colon are positioned longitudinally from the caecum to the rectosigmoid area. Epiploic appendagitis is rare and self-limiting; however, it can cause sudden abdominal pain in children. Epiploic appendagitis does not typically accompany other gastrointestinal diseases. Here, we report on a healthy eight-year-old girl who presented with abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Based on these symptoms, she was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis, but epiploic appendagitis in the ascending colon was revealed in contrast computed tomography (CT). The patient was treated successfully with conservative management. CT is beneficial in diagnosis and further assessment of epiploic appendagitis. Pediatricians need to be aware of this self-limiting disease and consider it as a possible alternate diagnosis in cases of acute abdominal pain.

Primary Epiploic Appendagitis in Children: Report of Two Cases

Primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is a condition that results from spontaneous torsion, ischemia, or inflammation of an epiploic appendage. This condition is manifested by localized abdominal pain and tenderness, which is often mistaken for diverticulitis or appendicitis in the adult population. PEA is a self-limiting disease, and differential diagnosis with surgical condition is important in order to prevent unnecessary surgery. Although it is commonly reported in adults, it is rarely reported in the pediatric population. We report on the radiologic findings of two cases of PEA in a 12- and a 17-year-old boy, focusing on sonographic findings.

Clinical Study of Primary Epiploic Appendagitis Diagnosed in an Emergency Department

PURPOSE: Primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is a rare cause of focal abdominal pain and diagnosis is very infrequent, due in part to low or absent awareness among emergency physicians. The study evaluated clinical findings, laboratory data, and computed tomography (CT) findings of PEA to aid in early diagnosis. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with PEA between December 2005 and July 2010 at an emergency department were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis of PEA was made by two radiologists. Clinical findings, laboratory data, and CT findings of each patient were analyzed. A p value <0.014 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (10 men and four women; average age: 38.2 years; range: 15~65 years) were diagnosed with PEA. Abdominal pain was localized in the left side (64%) and the initial impression was diverticulitis (11 patients, 79%). Except in one patient, all patients were afebrile and had no nausea or vomiting. Mean C-reactive protein level was slightly increased (0.90 mg/dL), and mean white blood cell count was 9,855/microL. CT findings in 12 patients consisted of an oval lesion with attenuation equivalent to that of fat and with surrounding inflammatory changes. The other two patients presented with only an oval lesion without surrounding inflammatory changes. All patients were treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: In patients with localized, acute abdominal pain not associated with other symptoms or signs such as nausea, vomiting, fever, or atypical laboratory values, PEA should be suspected.

Clinical Characteristics of Primary Epiploic Appendagitis

PURPOSE: Primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is a rare cause of an acute abdomen. It can be clinically misdiagnosed as either diverticulitis or appendicitis on clinical examination because the clinical symptoms and signs of PEA are non-specific. The present study was performed to describe the clinical characteristics of PEA and to assess the differences between PEA and diverticulitis. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records and radiologic findings of 31 consecutive patients with PEA and compared them with those of patients with diverticulitis without complications. RESULTS: In most cases, abdominal pain was localized to the right (13 cases, 41.9%) or left (13 cases, 41.9%) lower quadrants. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting were infrequent, and localized tenderness without peritoneal irritation was common. All patients were afebrile, and only 4 patients (12.9%) showed leukocytosis. In all cases except one, a pericolic fatty mass with a hyperattenuated ring was observed on computed tomography. Patients with left PEA were younger than those with diverticulitis (41.4 +/- 11.9 vs. 69.7 +/- 13.3, P < 0.001), and the mean body mass index was higher in patients with left PEA (26.4 +/- 2.9 vs. 22.6 +/- 3.4, P = 0.01). Whereas one patient (6.7%) with left PEA showed leukocytosis, the incidence of leukocytosis in patients with diverticulitis was 80% (8/10) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with an acute abdomen showing localized tenderness without associated symptoms or leukocytosis, a high index of suspicion for PEA is necessary. For correct diagnosis and proper management, it would useful for surgeons to be aware of the computed tomographic findings and the natural course of the disease.

Clinical Characteristics of Primary Epiploic Appendagitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is a rare cause of focal abdominal pain in otherwise healthy patients. Patients with acute abdominal pain are often misdiagnosed clinically as acute appendicitis or diverticulitis. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings of PEA. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records and CT images of 23 consecutive patients in Korea who presented with acute abdominal pain between January 2005 and February 2009 and had radiologic signs of PEA. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (7 females and 16 males; average age, 42+/-14 years) were diagnosed with symptomatic PEA. Abdominal pain localized to the left (8 patients [44.5%]) and right (10 patients [55.5%]) lower quadrants as the leading symptom. CT findings specific for PEA were present in all patients except one. The symptoms resolved within 1 week (mean, 3.5 days) with or without antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with localized, sharp, acute abdominal pain not associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, fever or atypical laboratory values, the diagnosis of PEA should be considered and the diagnosis confirmed by CT scan.

Seven Cases of Epiploic Appendagitis: Retrograde Analysis of Clinical Characteristics

Epiploic appendagitis is a relatively rare cause of acute abdominal pain. Usually, epiploic appendagitis is a benign and self-limited condition, but it can be clinically misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis or diverticulitis, so an inaccurate diagnosis may lead to unnecessary treatment. We recently managed 7 cases of epiploic appendagitis during 1 year and review these cases with an emphasis on the clinical diagnostic features. The main pathophysiologic mechanism underlying epiploic appendagitis is thought to be triggered by appendageal torsion and caused by a subsequent blood flow disturbance. This medical condition must be kept in mind when a patient with acute abdominal pain has well-localized pain which is characteristically sharp in nature and a mild systemic inflammatory response compared to the severity of the pain.

Apendagite epiplóica: tratamento conservador / Epiploic appendagitis: conservative treatment

Apendagite epiplóica (AE) é uma doença inflamatória abdominal incomum, de bom prognóstico, que vem sendo mais freqüentemente diagnosticada em virtude dos avanços nos métodos de imagem. O achado clínico mais freqüente é dor em quadrante inferior esquerdo. O diagnóstico é obtido por meio da tomografia computadorizada. A recuperação do quadro é completa sob tratamento conservador.

Appendagitis is an uncommon inflammatory abdominal disease, with good prognosis; nowadays it is being diagnosed more frequently because of advances in imaging methods. Clinical finding most often described was abdominal pain over left lower quadrant. Diagnosis is obtained through computed tomography. Recovery is uneventful under conservative treatment.

A Case of Epiploic Appendagitis Presented with Right Lower Quadrant Pain of Abdomen / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

An inflammation of an epiploic appendage is a relatively rare cause of acute abdominal pain. It can be clinically misdiagnosed as either acute appendicitis or diverticulitis. Judicious interpretation of imaging with ultrasound or computed tomography may lead to an early diagnosis and prevent unnecessary surgical or medical treatment. Conservative treatment of symptoms is usually sufficient. We have experienced a case of epiploic appendagitis treated by conservative management and report this case with the review of the literature.

A Case of Primary Epiploic Appendagitis

Primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain that occurs either from appendageal torsion or spontaneous thrombosis of an appendageal vein. It is a benign condition that may present with peritoneal findings. Thus, it is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal disease. Until recently, an accurate diagnosis could not be made preoperatively. With the aid of contemporary imaging modalities, however, the diagnosis of PEA need no longer hinge on the pathologic specimen, but may be established by the emergency physician. Common findings include left lower quadrant pain and guarding. Nonmigratory symptoms should also prompt the clinician to consider a CT scan in patients with similar signs and symptoms. Knowledge of this uncommonly diagnosed entity and its usual benign course may allow the emergency physician to order the appropriate studies to help avoid unnecessary surgical treatment. The anatomy, the clinical presentation, the radiologic evaluation, and the emergency management of epiploic appendagitis are reviewed with the literature.

A Case of Primary Epiploic Appendagitis

Epiploic appendages are small, 0.5-5 cm long, peritoneal pouches containing small vessels and fat, located on the serous surface of the colon, from the cecum to the rectosigmoid junction. Pathologic states are rare in these appendages, the most frequent being is infarction either due to torsion or spontaneous. As a result of subsequent inflammatory reaction, the condition has been termed primary epiploic appendagitis. The condition is manifested by localized abdominal pain, which is often mistaken for appendicitis or diverticulitis and is usually diagnosed at surgery. With the aid of comtemporary imaging modalities, however, the diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis need no longer hinge on the pathologic specimen but may be established by the clinician. As this disorder recently has been demonstrated to be predominantly self-limited, laparotomy is no longer considered necessary. Conservative management has been shown to be safe. We report a 5-year-old male patient with epiploic appendagitis who presented with acute abdominal pain.

Clinical aspects of Primary Epiploic Appendagitis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Primary epiploic appendagitis is rarely diagnosed preoperatively and usually results from torsion with subsequent infarction epiploic appendage. Until recent years no diagnostic procedures or clinical symptoms were pathognomic for this disease and the most common preoperative diagnosis were acute diverticulitis and appendicitis. Rapid advance of imaging technique, especially ultrasound, makes it possible to get image of diseased epiploic appandage. Also primary epiploic appendagitis occurs more frequently than it has been suggested in the literature. Therefore authors analyzed and reviewed clinical features and radiological findings of 15 cases with primary epiploic appendagitis to give attention to the acute epiploic appendagitis as one of the ways for diagnosing the acute abdominal pain that has unclear diagnosis, thinking that the rapid diagnosis will helpful to escaping the unnecessary operations. METHODS: This study included twelve men and three women(aged 20-60years). Surgery was done in two patients, one misdiagnosed for acute appendicitis and another for acute diverticulitis with abscess. Follow up examinations were performed with US and CT(n=3), with US, CT and MRI(n=2) and with clinical course (n=13). RESULTS: All patients had localized abdominal pain and tenderness, mostly in the left lower quadrants (n=12). Duration of pain was 3.3 days (1-15days). Two patients had mild fever and two patients had nausea. Leukocytosis was found in four patients. In all cases US revealed a solid hyperechoic(n=13) or isoechoic(n=2) non-compressible ovoid mass with hypoechoic rim. The masses were located under the site of maximum tenderness. CT and MRI finding were compatible with US. CONCLUSION: Primary epiploic appendagitis can be diagnosed pre-operatively using recent imaging technique, and US finding is fairly characteristic. This disorder is not so rare entity as previously known and must be included in the differential diagnosis of acute unexplained abdominal pain in adults.