Primary omental infarction

Abstract

1. 1. The subject of primary omental infarction, primary torsion of the omentum and primary epiploitis has been presented along with a review of the literature to clarify these subjects as distinct and separate entities. They should be so reported. 2. 2. There are many etiologic theories, none of which is entirely satisfactory. 3. 3. Primary omental infarction is still relatively rare, but we are sure that there have been many small series of unreported cases. 4. 4. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is extremely difficult and of no practical value since these cases are generally diagnosed as acute appendicitis which makes laparotomy mandatory. 5. 5. Treatment of this condition is resection of the involved omentum. 6. 6. Four additional cases of idiopathic segmental infarction of the omentum have been presented. We believe Case IV is the youngest as yet reported.