Omental Infarction Associated with Rib Cage Anomaly in Achondroplasia: Report of a Rare Case

Abstract

Omental infarction, a rare cause of acute abdominal pain, is usually difficult to diagnose before surgery. Several studies have shown that CT is useful in diagnosing an omental infarction. We report the first case of an omental infarction secondary to rib cage anomaly associated with achondroplasia. Preoperative CT revealed a fatty mass in the anterior perihepatic space and anterior flaring of the ribs. The patient, a 41-year-old man, was diagnosed with omental infarction in the anterior perihepatic space and treated with intravenous painkillers. After discharge, because of recurrent abdominal pain, he was readmitted and successfully underwent laparoscopic partial omentectomy. The mass was confirmed to be an infarcted omentum with fat necrosis and hemorrhage. Thus, omental infarction should be considered as a differential diagnosis for acute abdominal pain, especially in patients with achondroplasia. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT can help in correctly diagnosing a suspected omental infarction.

Keywords

• omentum
• infarction
• acute abdomen
• computed tomography
• x-ray
• achondroplasia