Misdiagnosis of appendiceal abscess with intestinal malrotation: A case report

Abstract

Here, we report the case of a 75-year-old male with abdominal pain who was admitted to our Emergency Department. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed torsion of the mesenteric root with fluid surrounding the area. Emergency laparotomy, performed under general anesthesia, revealed appendiceal abscess with intestinal malrotation. Appendicectomy was performed after the torsional mesentery restoration. Antibiotics and other symptomatic treatments were administered postoperatively. The patient recovered well and was discharged one week after surgery. Intestinal malrotation is more common in neonates than in adults. The diagnosis of appendicitis could be further obscured by intestinal malrotation. Therefore, the rare situation of intestinal malrotation and ectopic appendicitis in the abdomen should be considered in cases with an absence of right lower abdominal pain, where preoperative abdominal CT shows mesenteric volvulus and the surrounding intestinal wall is thickened and demonstrating exudation.