Xanthogranulomatous appendicitis causing an endometrial abscess: radiological findings

Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2015 Dec;127(23-24):970-3. doi: 10.1007/s00508-014-0659-5. Epub 2014 Nov 21.

Abstract

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation (XGI) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition most commonly involving the kidneys and gallbladder. The condition is histopathologically characterized by the presence of foamy histiocytes, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. A few reports describing appendicitis caused by XGI have appeared in the English-language literature. However, no study has yet focused on the imaging features of xanthogranulomatous appendicitis (XGA). We present a pathologically confirmed case of XGA with an endometrial abscess; the patient underwent ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of XGA with uterine and right adnexal involvement presenting as a complicated pelvic abscess on radiological imaging.

Keywords: Appendix; Endometrial abscess; Xanthogranulomatous inflammation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Abscess / etiology*
  • Aged
  • Appendicitis / complications*
  • Appendicitis / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Uterine Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Diseases / etiology*
  • Xanthomatosis / complications*
  • Xanthomatosis / diagnosis