Primary tuberculosis appendicitis with mesenteric mass

J Korean Surg Soc. 2012 Apr;82(4):266-9. doi: 10.4174/jkss.2012.82.4.266. Epub 2012 Mar 27.

Abstract

Tuberculosis primarily affecting the appendix is extremely rare and the diagnosis is difficult. Here, we report the case of a 14-year-old healthy boy presenting with right lower quadrant abdominal pain. On computed tomography, the distended appendix with 3.3 × 2.7 cm mass located at the right side of the right iliac artery was detected. There was neither bowel wall thickening nor active lung lesion. After laparoscopic appendectomy with mass excision, histopathological examination revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation, with caseous necrosis of the appendix. We made a diagnosis of primary tuberculosis of appendix and administrated anti-tuberculosis medication.

Keywords: Appendicitis; Mesenteric lymphadenitis; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports