Perforation of a Retrocecal Appendix Resulting in Retroperitoneal Air: A Case Report. (11th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Litkouhi, Behrang; Huang, Alicia S.; Lundy, David J.; Solis, Maria
• Other Names: Grassi R. Academic Editor.; Low V. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in radiology. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-02-11
• Subjects: Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Medical radiology -- Periodicals; Radiology; Radiology; Medical radiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/584925
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6862

Abstract

Abstract : There have been several case reports documenting acute appendicitis complicated by perforation presenting with retroperitoneal abscess formation. To date, there are no case reports of acute appendicitis in which the only sign for retroperitoneal perforation is the presence of retroperitoneal air as detected by computed tomography (CT). In the case presented, an 18-year-old male presented to the emergency department with clinical symptoms of acute appendicitis. CT exam demonstrated an inflamed appendix with multiple collections of air in the retroperitoneum, without abscess. Laparotomy revealed perforation of a retrocecal appendix into the retroperitoneum.