Chronic amebiasis presenting as appendicitis and preliminary diagnosed as a mucocele: A diagnostic dilemma and unexpected histopathological finding after surgery

Abstract

Amoebic appendicitis is an extremely rare condition which is generally surgically treated with the initial diagnosis of acute appendicitis, and its definitive diagnosis cannot be made until the exact histopathological analysis. In this paper a 14-year-old male child with amoebic appendicitis presented. Pain in right lower quadrant was the only positive finding. A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed because of enlargement appendix and a preliminary diagnosis of mucocele in radiological examinations. Macroscopically appendix was extremely edematous and dilated. Microscopic analysis was evaluated as amoebic appendicitis. This case report emphasizes the importance of careful histopathological analysis appendix, especially, in patients who do not demonstrate typical clinical symptoms of appendicitis. Timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy might prevent probable future complications in patient with amoebic appendicitis.

Keywords

• amebiasis
• appendicitis
• mucocele