Pitfalls of Diagnosing Left Lower Quadrant Pain Causes: Making the Uncommon Common Again

Am J Case Rep. 2019 Jan 19:20:78-82. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.912226.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Left-sided acute appendicitis, although well described in the literature, is still an easily missed diagnosis. Midgut malrotation and situs inversus are 2 known leading conditions that contribute to misdiagnosis of appendicitis. CASE REPORT Here is the case of a 27-year-old male without any previous medical history, who presented with left lower quadrant tenderness and was misdiagnosed with gastroenteritis as an outpatient and sent home; the patient presented the next day to the emergency department where he was found to have acute appendicitis with situs inversus. He underwent laparoscopic appendectomy where a phlegmon was identified. Pathology came back as peri-appendiceal mucocele with no signs of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS This case report aimed to revisit the idea of left-sided acute appendicitis and discuss the management of a perforated appendiceal mucocele contained by a phlegmon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Appendicitis / diagnosis*
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Gastroenteritis / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mucocele / diagnosis
  • Situs Inversus / diagnosis*