An Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Appendix Mimicking an Appendicular Malignant Lesion

Abstract

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a very rare lesion of unknown etiology. Cases of IMT involving the appendix are exceptional, and they can mimic malignant appendicular tumors. We present a case of a 65-year-old man who presented to our emergency room on septic shock and acute abdomen secondary to visceral perforation. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy; massive bowel dilatation was encountered, along with 3 L of purulent intraperitoneal fluid and a perforated appendicular mass of 6 cm. An appendicectomy was performed. Histopathologic examination established the diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor with appendiceal perforation. This study constitutes the 14th confirmed case report of an appendicular IMT. It is important to include IMT in differential diagnoses of appendicular masses to avoid excessive resections.