Introduction and importance: Subhepatic acute appendicitis (SHAA) is a very rare cause of acute abdomen, developing in association with two types of congenital anomalies like as midgut malrotation (MM) and maldescent of the caecum. Preoperative diagnosis of SHAA is a challenge because of its rarity and atypical presentation. Imaging may be helpful for determining the correct diagnosis. Surgery represents the standard treatment of SHAA.
Case presentation: A 25-year-old Caucasian male presented to the Emergency Department with a one-day history of right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Physical examination revealed RLQ abdominal rebound tenderness with guarding. Laboratory tests reported high levels of C-reactive protein and neutrophilic leukocytosis. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a SHAA with intraluminal appendicolith, fat infiltration and pelvic fluid collection in a patient with MM. The patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy: a retrocaecal subhepatic phlegmonous and perforated appendicitis was sectioned and removed with drainage of pelvic abscess. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful.
Clinical discussion: SHAA is characterized by anatomical variation of appendix and atypical presentation. Preoperative clinical diagnosis of SHAA is very difficult and imaging may be helpful for determining the correct diagnosis, as well as confirming MM or maldescent of the caecum. Laparoscopic appendectomy represents the correct treatment of SHAA.
Conclusion: SHAA is a rare surgical emergency that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with RLQ abdominal pain. Preoperative diagnosis needs a high index of suspicion and is facilitated by imaging. Surgery represents the appropriate treatment of SHAA.
Keywords: Abdominal pain; Case report; Emergency surgery; Maldescent of the caecum; Midgut malrotation; Subhepatic acute appendicitis.
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