UNUSUAL CAUSES OF THE ACUTE ABDOMINAL PAIN: IMAGING AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

Abstract

Introduction: Acute abdominal pain is a common complaint of patients in the emergency department that needs to be evaluated rapidly and comprehensively. With a wide range of etiologies, acute abdominal pain is still a major diagnostic challenge in the emergency department. Radiological imaging is the corner stone of the diagnostic work up along with clinical and laboratory findings. Case report: In this case report, we present our 4 cases of acute abdominal pain caused by rare disorders (epiploic appendagitis, omental infarction, mesenteric panniculitis and cecal diverticulitis) that were initially diagnosed mistakenly based on clinical findings. These good mimickers masqueraded themselves as common etiologies of acute abdomen such as acute appendicitis, diverticulitis and cholecystitis. Conclusion: After radiographs, ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) are the most common imaging modalities that are performed in emergency departments for acute abdominal pain. Both US and CT are highly accurate imaging modalities that commonly reveal the correct diagnosis. However, rare disorders may not be recognized in the acute setting. We present our cases with US and CT images to remind radiologists and emergency physicians of these mimickers of acute abdominal pain in order to prevent unnecessary surgeries.