ACUTE APPENDICITIS MIMICKING A BENIGN CECAL TUMOR: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges and clinical decision-making in a case of acute appendicitis presenting with clinical and radiological features mimicking a benign cecal tumor. A 23-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department complaining of right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting, suggesting acute appendicitis. His clinical examination, laboratory findings, and computed tomography abdominal scan suggested acute appendicitis associated with an appendicular plastron. Catarrhal appendicitis and a cecal tumor attached to the anterolateral abdominal wall were observed during laparoscopic exploration of the peritoneal cavity. A laparoscopic appendectomy and a laparoscopically assisted partial longitudinal resection of the cecum were performed. The histopathological examination diagnosed acute catarrhal appendicitis and suppurative granulomatous inflammation of the cecal wall, which was rich in eosinophils. The postoperative evolution was favorable, and the patient was discharged on the eighth postoperative day. At one and three months postoperative, the patient was in good condition without any abdominal complaints.