Abdominal pain in the female patient: A case of concurrent acute appendicitis and infected ovarian cyst

ABSTRACT

Background: Abdominal pain is a common presentation in women of child bearing age. It has a broad diagnosis that includes disorders of the gastrointestinal, gynaecological, vascular, urogenital, and pulmonary systems. It may be caused by infections, inflammatory, anatomic or neoplastic processes. Its management varies by aetiology, and accurate diagnosis is key to avoiding inappropriate treatment. In some rare instances, acute appendicitis has been shown to occur simultaneously with a variety of gynaecologic diseases, which can add to the diagnostic dilemma. Method: We report a case of concurrent acute appendicitis and infected ovarian cyst in a 49 year old P6+4A6 who presented with recurrent abdominal pain for 4 years duration. Result: She had oophorectomy and appendicectomy. She did well post operatively and was discharged to outpatient department after stitches removal. Conclusion: Abdominal pain, being from various aetiology in women of child bearing age, detail history, thorough physical examination, and necessary imaging investigations need to be done to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.