Inflammatory fibroid polyps of the appendix: different presentation and literature review.

Abstract

Inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFPs), or Vanek’s tumor, are rare benign mesenchymal lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). IFPs can be found throughout the GIT but most frequently in gastric antrum or ileum, with the appendix accounting for only <1% of all IFPs. The clinical presentation is usually vague yet depends on the location. We report a case of 50-year-old healthy male presented to the emergency department with a sub-acute complaint of non-specific abdominal pain, which was suspected to be appendicitis. Abdominal CT scan was done as well as colonoscopy and histopathology were scheduled. A week later, he presented in the clinic, still complaining of abdominal pain; thus, the decision was made to schedule him for laparoscopy with appendectomy. Finally, the post-operative course was unremarkable and the patient was discharged home. This is a rare case of IFPs originating in the appendix presenting as an atypical sub-acute appendicitis.