Epiploic Appendagitis: Systematic Review of a Distinctive Pathology.

Introduction: Epiploic appendagitis (EA) is an essential cause of abdominal pain that can be confused with more typical causes such as acute diverticulitis and appendicitis. Epiploic appendagitis accounts for 1% of all cases of abdominal pain in adults. The scarcity of information has limited its recognition as an essential nonsurgical cause of acute abdominal pain.Methods: We performed a systematic review of all EA cases published. We searched Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to retrieve all available studies from January 2000 to November 2023.Results: 196 case reports and case series were analyzed, with 371 patients with EA included. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 39 years. Most patients were male (59%). The primary presenting symptoms were pain (100%), tenderness (59.5%), and rebound tenderness (27.4%). The left abdomen was the most common localization of pain (53%). The most frequently identified differential diagnoses were acute appendicitis (26.4%) and acute diverticulitis (16.1%). Most patients (53%) were treated conservatively, and 98 (26.4%) underwent surgical treatment. A significant difference in the choice of treatment was found for signs and symptoms such as rebound tenderness, nausea, anorexia, and diarrhea.Conclusions: Acute EA is an essential clinical condition of rare occurrence that might present a diagnostic challenge, as it can masquerade as another acute abdominal pain etiology. The optimal management of EA is conservative, so a higher recognition by surgeons and emergency physicians is essential to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and their associated consequences.

Uncommon presentation of complicated internal hernia through the appendices epiploicae ring of adhesion: a clinical case study.

Background: Internal hernias are infrequent, yet serious, medical conditions with potentially severe consequences. An internal hernia resulting from an Appendices epiploicae (AE) ring is an especially rare cause, with a mere nine documented instances worldwide. Case report: This report presents the case of a 58-year-old male who suffered from an internal hernia originating from an AE ring. The condition led to a gangrenous small bowel, which was treated by laparotomy and resection of the affected segment, followed by primary anastomosis. The post-operative recovery was favorable. Conclusion: Internal hernias, although rare, warrant immediate attention and early intervention to preclude detrimental outcomes, as illustrated in this particular case.

Giant peritoneal loose body - case report.

The article presents the case of a rare, free moving, completely benign intra-abdominal formation called "giant peritoneal loose body". In our case, an expansion of the left hypogastrium with central calcification, in intimate contact with intestinal loops, of rather benign etiology, reminiscent of a mesenteric calcifying fibrous tumor, was accidentally detected on CT angiography. A possible neoplastic process was suspected, and therefore PET/CT was completed, showing that the expansion had moved to the right hypogastrium, and the radiologist evaluated the finding as a possible teratoma not originating from an intestinal loop. Due to the still indeterminate nature of the expansion, an exploratory laparotomy was performed with the discovery of a loose ovoid mass without any vascular supply and unrelated to other structures, which was extracted and sent for histological examination. The result was surprising. According to the pathologist, it was a rare, completely benign intra-abdominal lesion called the "giant peritoneal loose body". This pseudotumor should be considered as a differential diagnosis whenever we accidentally detect an asymptomatic, freely moving intra-abdominal lesion with central necrosis or calcification, in order to avoid unnecessary surgery, because according to available information, only symptomatic ones should be surgically removed.

Rolling Egg-Shaped Peritoneal Loose Body (PLB): A Diagnostic Dilemma for Surgeons and Radiologists.

A man in his mid-50s presented with heaviness in the right lower abdomen for the last three months. Ultrasonography (USG) showed an intra-abdominal mass in the right iliac fossa. Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) revealed a well-defined circumscribed mass near the ileocaecal junction, with a hypodense center, surrounded by a hyperdense periphery and well-defined capsule. A lower midline laparotomy was performed. Intraoperatively, a white, firm, smooth ball-like mass was found, lying freely in the abdomen. Histopathology revealed fatty tissues surrounded by a calcified shell, which was further surrounded by proteinaceous material. Such peritoneal loose bodies (PLBs) are free masses in the abdomen, with variable sizes. These are asymptomatic, unless they compress any nearby viscera, as was in our case. The objective of this case report is to make surgeons and radiologists aware of this rare entity, which can be a source of confusion in a case of mass in the abdomen.

An Unusual Tale of Two Appendices in a Case of Acute Appendicitis: One Gangrenous, One Inflamed.

Appendicectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide. The incidence of acute appendicitis is higher among adolescents and young adults. Though various positions of the appendix, such as retrocecal, pelvic, subcecal, pre- or post-ileal, and their clinical implications have been well established, appendiceal anomalies like duplication or triplication of the appendix are yet to receive attention due to their very low incidence. We report an incidental finding of a duplicated appendix in a 19-year-old girl who presented with features of acute appendicitis. What makes this case report an interesting learning point for young surgeons is the identification of a perforated appendix with gangrene at the tip, along with an inflamed duplicated appendix. This report alerts us to the need for a thorough intraoperative inspection, to look for possible anatomical abnormalities, and to take the right management decisions to avoid unnecessary re-explorations. While operating a patient with features of acute appendicitis, a failure to identify a duplicated appendix is comparable to abandoning an inflamed appendix in-situ. Such instances not only increase the morbidity due to complications like the formation of pelvic abscesses, wound dehiscence, and surgical site infection, but also cause mortality.

Incidental peritoneal loose body in a polytrauma patient: The unnoticed scenario: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal loose bodies are rare, often asymptomatic lesions that can be found during radiologic examinations or abdominal surgery. They don't require specific treatment unless they are complicated. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a rare case of incidentally diagnosed peritoneal loose body in a 38 years old man who undergone exploratory laparotomy for the diagnosis of hypovolemic shock secondary to acute intra-abdominal bleeding with solid organ injury secondary to blunt abdominal trauma and left proximal tibia fracture. DISCUSSION: Symptomatic peritoneal loose bodies present with compressive symptoms of urinary system or bowel obstruction. As a result, they create diagnostic dilemmas in patients with previous history of abdominal surgery who present with acute abdominal pain, commonly confusing with retained foreign body. CONCLUSION: Although most incidental loose bodies are diagnosed intraoperatively on laparatomies done for other indications, it's very unusual to suspect such findings in hemodynamically unstable polytrauma patient undergoing surgical exploration. Considering the diagnostic challenges they create in post-operative patients presenting with abdominal complaints, its better practice to consider such rare findings when exploring the abdomen in trauma settings.

Diagnosis and management of epiploic appendagitis: a single-institution 10-year experience.

<b>Introduction</b>: Epiploic appendagitis is known to be a benign and self-limiting process, yet optimal management is not well understood. Research focused on the efficacy of treatment in this rare condition may allow future patients diagnosed with epiploic appendagitis to be treated accordingly with the best evidence-based medical practice.<br/><b>Aim</b>: The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnosis, compare management options and follow up epiploic appendagitis. <br><b>Materials and methods</b>: This retrospective study included all patients over 18 years of age who were treated in a large tertiary hospital in the years 2009-2019 with a confirmed diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis and no coexisting acute intra-abdominal pathologies. Patients' health information was recorded and analysed.<br/><b>Results</b>: As many as 78 patients were diagnosed with epiploic appendagitis over a 10-year observation period. A minor male predominance (55%) and a broad range of ages at the moment of diagnosis (18-75) were found, with diabetes (n = 10) being the most common comorbidity in this condition . In the majority of cases, the disease was located in the sigmoid (41%) and descending colon (35%). Diagnosis was primarily based on imaging (computerised tomography 91%, ultrasonography 2.6%). Six percent of patients were diagnosed during surgery and these patients recovered with smaller rates of readmissions and recurrences (P < 0.05). Patients given opioids on discharge were less likely to be readmitted to hospital (P < 0.05), while those given antibiotics had a longer inpatient stay (P < 0.05) with no change in readmission rates (P = 0.78) or recurrence rates (P = 0.48). <br/><b>Discussion</b>: Managing epiploic appendagitis with antibiotics is shown to have no effect on patient outcomes, while opioid use for pain control did not affect the length of hospital stay but it reduced the number of readmissions when compared to simple analgesics alone.

Giant peritoneal loose body : a case report and review of the literature.

We present a case about a 53-year-old man who complained of abdominal pain and constipation. Computed tomography showed a well-described nodular structure of 6cm in size with a central dense core of 0.5cm with compression against the rectosigmoid. The presence of a foreign body was suggested and a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Surgery revealed a giant peritoneal loose body measuring 5.5cm in diameter. After the removal, the patient was relieved of his symptoms. Peritoneal loose bodies are usually small and asymptomatic. They are mostly found incidentally during laparotomy. Giant peritoneal loose bodies are a rare entity and diagnosis is difficult. A review of the literature is presented.

Giant peritoneal loose body: A case report.

Peritoneal loose body (PLB) is a rare finding and it is usually incidentally discovered during laparotomy, examination or autopsy, as it is usually asymptomatic or presents with non-specific symptoms. In particular, giant PLBs, measuring >50 mm in maximum diameter, are even more rare, and only a few cases of laparoscopic extraction of these giant bodies have been reported in the literature to date. We herein describe our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of a giant PLB in a 49-year-old male patient who was admitted with complaints of intermittent pain the in lower abdomen 3 months earlier. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a 5.5x5.0-cm midline mass with central high density. The diagnosis was confirmed by open surgery and postoperative pathological examination. The postoperative recovery of the patient was uneventful and he was discharged from the hospital 7 days after surgery.

CT imaging findings of epiploic appendagitis: an unusual cause of abdominal pain.

Epiploic appendagitis is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain, determined by a benign self-limiting inflammation of the epiploic appendages. It may manifest with heterogeneous clinical presentations, mimicking other more severe entities responsible of acute abdominal pain, such as acute diverticulitis or appendicitis. Given its importance as clinical mimicker, imaging plays a crucial role to avoid inaccurate diagnosis that may lead to unnecessary hospitalization, antibiotic therapy, and surgery. CT represents the gold standard technique for the evaluation of patients with indeterminate acute abdominal pain. Imaging findings include the presence of an oval lesion with fat-attenuation surrounded by a thin hyperdense rim on CT ("hyperattenuating ring sign") abutting anteriorly the large bowel, usually associated with inflammation of the adjacent mesentery. A central high-attenuation focus within the fatty lesion ("central dot sign") can sometimes be observed and is indicative of a central thrombosed vein within the inflamed epiploic appendage. Rarely, epiploic appendagitis may be located within a hernia sac or attached to the vermiform appendix. Chronically infarcted epiploic appendage may detach, appearing as an intraperitoneal loose calcified body in the abdominal cavity. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the clinical presentation and key imaging features that may help the radiologist to make an accurate diagnosis and guide the clinical management of those patients.

Rates of colorectal cancer detection in screening colonoscopy post appendicectomy in patients 50 years and over.

INTRODUCTION: Acute appendicitis in older adults is relatively uncommon and could be the first presentation of an underlying colorectal carcinoma. Colonoscopy in these individuals affords the opportunity for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The finding of increased rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) with older patients who have had appendicitis was supported by a number of small studies and case reports in the early 1980s.With the advent of CT scanning and laparoscopic appendicectomy, increased ability to visualize the caecum has been achieved. PURPOSE: A retrospective 12-month study of all patients presenting with acute appendicitis aged 50 years and over from 1st May 2017 to 31st May 2018, and review of post operative screening colonoscopy findings. RESULTS: Forty-three patients met inclusion criteria. The patients' median age was 62 years (range 50-85 years). 47% of the patients were male. 86% of patients had abdominal CT scans prior to surgery with acute appendicitis visualized in 97% of these cases. Acute appendicitis was found in 100% of cases with no clinical suggestion of CRC operatively or pathologically. 46% of patients had pertinent findings on colonoscopy. This included a malignant obstructing tumour at the hepatic flexure and a tubular adenoma in the transverse colon in a second patient. The remaining findings in this cohort of patients included diverticular disease and benign polyps. CONCLUSION: Despite the advancement in visualization of anatomy with CT scan and laparoscopic appendicectomy there is still a role for screening colonoscopy in patients greater than 50 years of age with appendicitis particularly if they have associated bowel symptoms or risk factors for CRC.

Low-grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm Presenting as Adnexal Mass: A Case Report.

An appendiceal mucocele is a dilatation of the appendix and it is the result of benign or malignant diseases, which cause the obstruction of the appendix and the consequent accumulation of mucus secretion. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to non-specific clinical manifestations of the disease. We present a case of an 83-year-old female patient with a history of breast cancer that was referred to our hospital for an evaluation of a right adnexal mass discovered during her yearly follow-up. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy with a provisional diagnosis of a right adnexal mass. A perioperative, appendiceal mucocele was diagnosed. She underwent a formal appendectomy and histopathology of the specimen revealed a low-grade mucinous neoplasm. Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms represent a rare form of pathology among all appendectomy specimens. A preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of specific symptoms and it is often misdiagnosed as an adnexal mass. The perforation of the appendix and subsequent extravasation of its contents into the abdominal cavity may lead to pseudomyxoma peritonei, which has a very poor prognosis if not treated properly.

Two giant peritoneal loose bodies were simultaneously found in one patient: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal loose body(PLB) is usually small, therefore giant Peritoneal loose body(gPLB) with a diameter >5cm has rarely been described in the literatures. We report a case of two gPLB simultaneously found in one patient. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A healthy 79-year-old man palpated himself a solid mass with alternating localizations in his peritoneal cavity 6 months ago. It was not the complaint of frequency of urinatior until he saw the doctor a week ago. Surprisingly, two oval-shaped masses were simultaneously discovered by computed tomography (CT). One was in the peritoneal cavity, measuring 10.4*8.3cm, weight 182.5g, another was in the pelvic cavity, measuring 7.6*6.0cm, weight 98.4g. The case was confirmed by surgical operation. DISCUSSION: The gPLB is considered as uncommon. Two gPLB which were simultaneously discovered in one patient have never been reported in the literatures. The small PLB is usually asmptomatic, occasionally, the gPLB can cause symptoms with acute retention of urine or intestinal obstruction. It is crucial to diagnosis the peritoneal loose body. CONCLUSION: Two gPLB that situated in one patient are rare findings. Clinically, if a solid mass alternating localizations cound be palpated in the Peritoneal cavity, CT or other imaging shows an oval-shaped mass with calcifications in the central region, PLB should be considered. Surgical removal is recommended for the patient with acute retention of urine or intestinal obstruction or unclear diagnosis.

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

The role of mast cells in histologically "normal" appendices following emergency appendectomy in pediatric patients.

Fifteen percent to 25% of appendices resected for a preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis have no neutrophilic infiltration, thus histologically "normal." The discrepancy between clinical presentation and the lack of definite morphologic changes is confounding. It has been indicated that mast cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of the appendicitis-like pain in patients with histologically negative appendices (HNAs). To investigate whether mast cell density (MCD) is increased in pediatric HNAs, we retrieved 50 appendectomy cases (30 HNA and 20 control, ages 2 days-18 years) in our institute in the last 10 years. All cases were stained with mast cell tryptase by immunohistochemistry, and MCD (count/high-power field) was measured in mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. Mast cells had the greatest density in the mucosa, followed by the submucosa, in all appendices. MCDs in all 4 layers were significantly higher in HNAs than in the normal controls (mucosa: 46±9 vs 26±11, P<.01; submucosa: 18±5 vs 11±5, P<.01; muscularis: 6±3 vs 4±2, P<.01; serosa: 6±2 vs 4±2, P<.01). This result suggests that mast cells play an important role in pathogenesis of HNA cases. In clinical practice, pathologists may order immunohistochemical stains for mast cells in cases with no classic histologic findings of acute appendicitis following emergency appendectomy. If increased MCD is noted, the case may be reported as "appendicitis with increased mast cells." This assures surgeons that the appendectomy is the correct treatment and it is not necessary to look for other causes of acute abdomen. This is especially important in children.

Radiology of epiploic appendages: acute appendagitis, post-infarcted appendages, and imaging natural history.

Our aim was to demonstrate the imaging characteristics of epiploic appendages in native, acute inflamed/ischemic and post-infarcted states through retrospective imaging analysis, with clinical and pathologic correlation, and to discuss clinical implications. Cases were gathered mostly retrospectively and reviewed for inclusion based on established diagnostic criteria. Radiology report text search was used to find cases, using terms "epiploic," "appendage," "appendagitis," and "peritoneal body." Data records included patient demographics, relevant clinical data, lesion size, location and apparent imaging composition, and the presence of change or stability in features over multiple studies. Pathologic and clinical data were sought and assessed for correlation. Imaging studies of 198 individuals were included (mean age 50, range 9-95), with a total of 228 lesions: 63 acute and 165 non-acute presentations. All included subjects had CT imaging and some had lesions visible on radiographs, MRI, PET/CT, and sonography. 23 subjects had more than one studied lesion. In addition to classic acute appendagitis, more frequently encountered are post-infarcted appendages either in situ along the colon, adhered to peritoneal or serosal surfaces, or freely mobile in the peritoneum as loose bodies. The majority of the non-acute varieties are recognizable due to peripheral calcification that develops over time following ischemic insult. Multiple cases demonstrated the imaging natural history and confirmed pathologic basis for imaging findings. In summary, acute and post-infarcted epiploic appendages have characteristic imaging appearances and natural history which should provide correct diagnosis in most cases. Incidental post-infarcted epiploica are more commonly encountered than acute presentations.

Symptomatic giant peritoneal loose body in the pelvic cavity: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Giant peritoneal loose bodies (gPLB) occur rarely and therefore only few have been described. Often they are found incidentally and have no clinical relevance, whereas symptomatic forms may require surgical removal. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a male patient suffering from abdominal discomfort with alternating localizations for several years, actually presenting with a proctitis. With elevated inflammatory markers, a conspicuous resistance in the lower abdomen and in order to evaluate further affection of the colon, an abdominal CT-scan was performed. It revealed a spherical mass in the lesser pelvis. A colonoscopy confirmed the proctitis, showing no further pathologies. Due to the symptoms and the uncertain entity of the mass, a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and a boiled egg-like structure (diameter 5.2cm) was removed. The patient recovered well and was free of symptoms. DISCUSSION: The patient had two potential reasons for his symptoms, one of them being a suspected leftover foreign body years after an appendectomy. The proctitis was treated conservatively but without complete remission of the abdominal discomfort. Therefore, a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and the mass turned out to be a gPLB. CONCLUSION: To obtain a fast diagnosis and to perform an adequate conservative or surgical therapy, the knowledge about the rare entity of a gPLB is necessary. An exact anamnesis, clinical examination and the knowledge about the diagnostic values of radiological and endoscopic investigations are crucial.

Apéndices testicular y epididimario en individuos brasileños / Testicular and epididymal appendices in Brazilian individuals

Los apéndices testiculares y epididimarios son remanescentes embriológicos del conducto paramesonéfrico y del conducto mesonéfrico, respectivamente. Estos apéndices pueden sufrir torsión causando un cuadro conocido como escroto agudo. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar las variaciones de los apéndices testicular y epididimario, registrando su forma y tamaño. Se utilizaron 30 cadáveres de indivíduos adultos, Brasileños, con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 70 años, fijados en formaldehído 40%, facilitados por el Laboratorio de Anatomía Descriptiva y Topográfica de la Universidad Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió, Brasil. A través de disección se identificó la presencia de los respectivos apéndices, los que fueron medidos con un caliper manual (MetricaR), registrando su longitud y anchura. Los apéndices testiculares fueron observados en 41 testículos (68,3%) y los apéndices epididimarios en 15 casos (25%). El promedio de la longitud fue de 4,9 mm (DE=1,7) para el apéndice testicular y de 5,2 mm (DE=2,4) para el epididimario. Con respecto a la anchura de los apéndices, el promedio registrado fue de 3,2 mm (DE=1,7) para el testicular y de 2,6 mm (DE=0,9) para el epididimario. Los datos obtenidos puede ser utlizados como soporte morfológico a la clínica urológica y cirugía testicular.

Testicular and epididymal appendages are embryologic remnants of the mesonephric duct and paramesonephric, respectively. These appendices are subject to a torsion causing condition known as acute scrotal syndrome. This study aimed to determine the variations of testicular and epididymal appendices, registering its presence and size. We studied 30 cadavers of adult individuals, Brazilians, aged 18 and 70, fixed in formaldehyde 40%, provided by the Laboratory of Descriptive and Topographic Anatomy of the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió, Brazil. By dissecting these, the presence of the respective appendixes were identified, which were measured with a manual caliper (Metrica), recording its length and width. The testicular appendices were observed in 41 testes (68.3%) and epididymal appendices in 15 cases (25%). The average length was 4.9 mm (SD=1.7) for the appendix testis and epididymis to 5.2 mm (SD=2.4). With respect to the width of the appendices, the average recorded were 3.2 mm (SD=1.7) and 2.6 mm (SD=0.9) for testicular and epididymal, respectively. The data obtained can be used as morphological support in urological clinical and testicular surgery.

Goldenhar syndrome - review with case series.

Goldenhar's syndrome is a rare condition which was described initially in the early 1950s. It is characterized by a combination of anomalies: dermal epibulbar cysts, auricular appendices and malformations of the ears. In 1963, Gorlin suggested the name, oculo-auriculo-vertebral (OAV) dysplasia for this condition and he also included vertebral anomalies as signs of this syndrome. The aetiology of this rare disease has not been fully understood, as it has shown itself to be variable genetically and to be caused due to unclear reasons. Here, we are reporting two cases of Goldenhar's syndrome, where almost all the classical signs of this rare condition were present.

Giant peritoneal loose body: a case report and review of literature.

A 52-year-old man was presented with discomfort in lower abdomen and irritative voiding symptoms. Computed tomography showed a well circumscribed mass with calcification in front of bladder compressing the bladder diagnosed as leiomyoma with calcifications, probably araising from rectum. Surgery revealed a giant peritoneal loose body measuring 6cm in diameter. After the removal of peritoneal loose body patient was relieved of symptoms. Peritoneal loose bodies are usually small and are found incidentally at surgery. Giant peritoneal loose bodies are rare. A comprehensive review of literature is presented.