Massive endometriosis mimicking tumor – unusual cause of appendiceal intussusception

Abstract

Appendiceal intussusception is a rare clinical entity that, in women of reproductive age, may be caused by endometriosis. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery, during which a suspicion of a cecal tumor was raised. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed. The patohistological exam showed an intussuscepted appendix, and the cause of the intussusception was massive endometriosis involving the colon, ileum, and appendix. It is important not to mistake appendiceal intussusception and appendiceal endometriosis with other intraabdominal pathologies whose symptoms they can mimic.

Keywords

• appendix
• endometriosis
• intussusception