Primary idiopathic segmental infarction of the greater omentum

Abstract

Summary Primary idiopathic omental infarction is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain that must be considered in a differential diagnosis of the acute abdomen. The majority of patients are young adults, and the problem occurs mostly in the right portion of the omentum with symptoms that can mimic acute appendicitis or cholecystitis. An abdominal computed tomography scan can help achieve an accurate diagnosis. The management of omental infarction could be conservative. However, minimally invasive laparoscopic omentectomy is another option of management and may shorten the course of hospitalization and avoid complications due to inflammation. Here we report a case of a man aged 24 years who presented with right upper quadrant pain for 2 days. He was later diagnosed to have partial greater omental infarction. He recovered rapidly after laparoscopic partial omentectomy. The aim of this report is to emphasize the importance of a differential diagnosis of the acute abdomen and to discuss the management of omental infarction.