Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal (Dec 2018)
LEFT-SIDED ACUTE APPENDICITIS - A PITFALL IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMEN
Abstract
Left-sided acute appendicitis is a diagnostic dilemma. Because the appendix is located in an abnormal position there are two different anatomic anomalies attributed to a left-sided appendix: situs inversus and malrotation of the midgut loop. In case of abnormal anatomical site of appendix as in situs inversus or gut malrotation, atypical presentation begins with epigastric pain radiating to left lower quadrant of abdomen along with tenderness confusing with diverticulitis. There has been an increasing use of imaging modalities, such as USG and CT, in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Diagnostic laparoscopy is the gold standard in cases with complicated differential diagnosis. Clinical assessment/judgment has no match in diagnosis and avoiding serious complications. This is a case report of 25 years old young male who presented initially with pain epigastrium and vomiting with diagnosis of acute gastritis. Later on pain localized to lower abdomen more on left side than right lower side. It was initially treated conservatively, later on due to persistence of pain abdomen and increase in intensity clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made and appendicectomy was planned via traditional incision. Per-operatively, left-sided acutely inflammed appendix along with caecum and ascending colon were found in left lower abdomen, operation was completed via lower midline abdominal incision. The main aim was to stress on clinical assessment/judgment where highly sophisticated diagnostic facilities are not available.
