Recurrent Appendicular Abscess-An Interesting Case Report

ABSTRACT

Background: Anorectal abscess, a common surgical condition, can rarely spread upwards to involve complex anatomical compartments leading to sepsis. A 45-year-old diabetic male presented in the ER with complaints of recurrent Right Iliac Fossa (RIF) pain with local swelling and dysuria, along with high-grade fever with chills and rigour for the last few days. He had been diagnosed with a case of recurrent appendicular abscess and treated with repeated Incision & Drainage during three previous hospitalizations. He also complained of simultaneous painful swelling in the left gluteal region during every episode of RIF pain. Methods: On examination, there was a parietal fluctuant swelling and tenderness in RIF over the previous appendicectomy scar. On Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), there was left-sided fullness and a tender induration at the 6 o'clock position on the dentate line, indicating some crypto-glandular disease. At the bedside, incision and drainage at RIF were performed, and pus was sent for C/S which came positive for an ESBL-producing strain of Escherichia coli. He was provisionally diagnosed with a case of the parietal abscess. Results: CECT W/A showed features of necrotizing fasciitis involving the anterior abdominal wall, forming an abscess, which crossed the midline along the pre-vesical space, extending to the pelvis and left ischio-anal fossa. Thus, the primary source of sepsis was a complex Ano-Rectal Abscess. Appropriate surgical management was done for source control. Conclusion: Unusual sources of infection should be suspected in patients with persistent sepsis or recurrent abscess and appropriate imaging modalities should be utilized before surgical intervention.