Appendiceal diverticulitis as differential diagnosis

Abstract

Appendiceal diverticulitis (AD) is a rare condition considered clinically identical to acute appendicitis although it may present milder symptoms. We report the case of a 59-year-old male patient who visited the emergency department due to signs and symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis. An abdominal ultrasound showed partially compressible tubular loop with a diameter of 7.8 mm and a thin band of laminar fluid, consistent with acute appendiceal process. During conventional appendectomy the appendix had signs of inflammation, mainly in the distal region. The histology revealed appendiceal diverticulitis complicated with rupture. The patient had favorable outcome and was discharged 24 hours later. As, there is a clear association between AD and appendiceal neoplasms, colonoscopy and patient monitoring is recommended.