Isolated appendiceal typhlitis masquerading as perforated appendicitis in the setting of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatr Surg Int. 2014 May;30(5):561-4. doi: 10.1007/s00383-014-3473-2. Epub 2014 Jan 22.

Abstract

Abdominal pain is common during chemotherapy for childhood leukemia. Clinically differentiating typhlitis from appendicitis can be difficult. We present an 8-year-old boy with abdominal pain in the setting of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and neutropenia. Following appendectomy for presumed appendicitis, pathology revealed appendiceal typhlitis. Diagnostic and treatment considerations are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Appendectomy / methods
  • Appendicitis / complications
  • Appendicitis / diagnosis*
  • Appendicitis / surgery*
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Typhlitis / complications
  • Typhlitis / diagnosis*
  • Typhlitis / surgery*