Identification of perforated appendicitis within a right inguinal hernia sac (Amyand's hernia) by emergency abdominal CT scan: A case report

Abstract

Amyand's hernia (AH) is a rare condition in which the vermiform appendix is herniated into the inguinal sac regardless of whether the appendix appears normal or is inflamed. Most cases of AH are diagnosed intraoperatively at the time of inguinal hernia repair as its clinical diagnosis is difficult, and the role of computed tomography (CT) and other diagnostic imaging has not been described well in the literature.We report the case of a 79-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with nonspecific symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Her symptoms were nonspecific, and physical examination suggested that she did not have a strangulated hernia or appendicitis, but the emergency CT scan of the abdomen showed a perforated appendix trapped in the sac of a right-sided inguinal hernia.Complicated appendicitis in an AH is a surgical emergency, and an accurate diagnosis is necessary for proper triage of patients and appropriate management. CT plays a significant role in revealing an unsuspected diagnosis of AH. Radiologists must be aware of this rare presentation of the appendix in an inguinal hernia sac and be familiar with AH subtypes.