Acute appendicitis induced by bone fragment ingestion: A pediatrics case report

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is an ordinary surgical emergency, typically attributed to luminal obstruction by fecaliths or lymphoid hyperplasia. However, ingested foreign bodies as an etiology are rare but increasingly recognized, particularly in pediatric patients. We present the case of a 9-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with symptoms consistent with acute appendicitis. Further investigation revealed the presence of a bone fragment within the appendix, leading to acute inflammation. Foreign body ingestion should be considered in pediatric patients with acute appendicitis. This case report underscores the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation and appropriate diagnostic imaging modalities in guiding optimal treatment strategies.

Keywords

• Bone fragment
• Foreign body
• Acute appendicitis
• Computed tomography