Vermiform appendix located within the cecal wall. Anomalies and bizarre locations

Incidental neuroendocrine tumor of a complete subserosal appendix: an unusual presentation of a rare anatomical variation. A case report and review of literature

Background

Appendix’ anatomical variations are a rare occurrence which can mislead diagnosis and delay appropriate treatment.

Case presentation

We present a 9-year-old female patient that came with a clinical picture compatible with acute appendicitis. However, a cecal mass was identified instead of an inflamed appendix during surgery. Therapeutic decisions were extremely challenging due to clinical deterioration and an uncertain etiology. Only the histopathology report revealed the presence of a complete subserosal appendix which was responsible for the entire symptomatology. Here, we review all case reports regarding intramural, intracecal or subserosal appendixes. A discussion of the general approach to this specific case and the importance of consensual diagnostic criteria for these specimens are also presented. At last, an incidental finding is exposed and final treatment options are discussed given the overall presentation.

Conclusions

Considering these variants would guide physicians towards a more accurate approach to similar clinical pictures and hence an improved long-term prognosis.

Appendiceal Intussusception Mimicking Cecal Mass and Fecal Matter: A Report of Two Rare Cases

Intussusception of the appendix is a relatively rare event that is usually asymptomatic but can present similar to other acute and chronic abdominal conditions. We present two separate cases of suspected appendiceal intussusception mimicking cecal masses. The authors also present a cursory review of the limited number of literatures available concerning this entity to help the radiologist avoid misdiagnosis and potentially unnecessary invasive intervention.

Intracecal appendix: an extremely rare anatomical variation. A case report and review of literature

Appendicitis is the most common surgical abdominal emergency in the developed world. Most of the surprises encountered during an appendectomy are usually due to the various positions of the appendix tip. Anatomical variations are an extremely rare phenomenon, with only a few case reports scattered among volumes of literature on the vermiform appendix. A new variation is described in which the appendix was intracecal and cause for surprise during surgery. A review of literature of rare anatomical variations of the appendix is also presented.

Mimicry of Appendicitis Symptomatology in Congenital Anomalies and Diseases of the Genitourinary System and Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Appendicitis is a prevailing cause of acute abdomen, but is often difficult to diagnose due to its wide range of symptoms, anatomical variations, and developmental abnormalities. Urological disorders of the genitourinary tract may be closely related to appendicitis due to the close proximity of the appendix to the genitourinary tract. This review provides a summary of the urological complications and simulations of appendicitis. Both typical and urological symptoms of appendicitis are discussed, as well as recommended diagnostic and treatment methods.

METHODS

Medline searches were conducted via PubMed in order to incorporate data from the recent and early literature.

RESULTS

Urological manifestations of appendicitis affect the adrenal glands, kidney, retroperitoneum, ureter, bladder, prostate, scrotum, and penis. Appendicitis in pregnancy is difficult to diagnose due to variations in appendiceal position and trimester-specific symptoms. Ultrasound, CT, and MRI are used in diagnosis of appendicitis and its complications. Treatment of appendicitis may be done via open appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy. In some cases, other surgeries are required to treat urological complications, though surgery may be avoided completely in other cases.

CONCLUSION

Clinical presentation and complications of appendicitis vary among patients, especially when the genitourinary tract is involved. Appendicitis may mimic urological disorders and vice versa. Awareness of differential diagnosis and proper diagnostic techniques is important in preventing delayed diagnosis and possible complications. MRI is recommended for diagnosis of pregnant patients. Ultrasound is preferred in patients exhibiting typical symptoms.

The vermiform appendix: a review

New research on the vermiform appendix has shed light on its function. In further understanding the function of the appendix, this information should not negatively impact the clinical judgment in the event of appendicitis. Although the appendix and its pathology have been noted for centuries, it still presents a challenge in the operating room. The most common emergency surgical procedure performed is an appendectomy. Its highly variable position within the abdomen can cause confusion for clinicians. However, improved imaging modalities have heightened the physician's ability to diagnose disease of this organ. This article reviews germane literature regarding the human vermiform appendix.

Appendix and cecum. Embryology, anatomy, and surgical applications

Surgeons should be familiar with surgery of the cecum and appendix because the diseases of this region, especially appendicitis, are the most common indications for surgical exploration. Usually, diagnosis of appendicitis and appendectomy are not difficult, but atypical location of the appendix or other anatomic anomalies can make the diagnosis of appendicitis and appendectomy difficult. In cases of atypical anatomy or diffuse clinical picture, especially in young adults or elderly patients, the spectrum of embryologic and anatomic anomalies must be kept in mind to make the correct treatment decision for individual patients. If doubt persists, explorative laparotomy must be performed to avoid overlooking rare, acute, intra-abdominal abnormalities.