Classical Presentation of Acute Appendicitis in the Case of a Subhepatic Appendix

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is a very common surgical emergency diagnosed by combining the history, examination, and investigations to build a clinical picture. This presentation can become more complex with abnormal anatomical variations of the appendix. This case describes the rare clinical finding of a subhepatically located appendix and caecum in a 24-year-old female presenting with right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain. Examination findings were consistent with acute appendicitis. Ultrasonography identified the appendix as being located in the subhepatic region with laparoscopy confirming this finding and the presence of a malrotated caecal pole due to congenital adhesions. Laparoscopic appendectomy was subsequently performed therapeutically with no complications. This case focuses on the typical presentation of appendicitis and RLQ pain in a patient with an atypical anatomical structure. It aims to depict the importance of a widened knowledge of the aberrantly located appendix and how this can impact clinical presentation. (Copyright © 2019, Longani et al.)