Appendiceal Inflammation Research Articles

Appendiceal involvement in pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): a diagnostic challenge in the coronavirus disease (COVID) era

BackgroundMany studies on pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (PIMS-TS) have described abdominal findings as part of multisystem involvement, with limited descriptions of abdominal imaging findings specific to PIMS-TS.ObjectiveTo perform a detailed evaluation of abdominal imaging findings in children with PIMS-TS.Materials and methodsWe performed a single-center retrospective study of children admitted to our institution between April 2020 and January 2021 who fulfilled Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health criteria for PIMS-TS and who had cross-sectional abdominal imaging. We studied clinical data, abdominal imaging, laboratory markers, echocardiography findings, treatment and outcomes for these children. We also reviewed the literature on similar studies.ResultsDuring the study period, 60 PIMS-TS cases were admitted, of whom 23 required abdominal imaging. Most (74%) were from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background and they had an average age of 7 years (range 2–14 years). All children had fever and gastrointestinal symptoms on presentation with elevated C-reactive protein, D-dimer and fibrinogen. Most had lymphopenia, raised ferritin and hypoalbuminemia, with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 immunoglobulin G antibodies in 65%. Free fluid (78%), right iliac fossa mesenteric inflammation (52%), and significantly enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes (52%) were the most common imaging findings. Appendiceal inflammation (30%) and abnormal distal ileum and cecum/ascending colon wall thickening (35%) were also common. All children responded well to medical management alone, with no mortality.ConclusionIn addition to free fluid, prominent lymphadenopathy, and inflammatory changes in the right iliac fossa, we found abnormal long-segment ileal thickening and appendicitis to be frequent findings. Recognition of appendiceal involvement as a component of the PIMS-TS spectrum should help clinicians avoid unnecessary surgical intervention as part of a multidisciplinary team approach.

Time-adjusted average Mayo endoscopic score predicts the risk of disease extent progression in distal ulcerative colitis patients.

BackgroundUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic lifelong disease. The disease extent of UC can progress over time. This study aimed to assess whether cumulative inflammatory burden (CIB) is associated with disease extension in distal UC (proctitis [E1] and left-sided colitis [E2]) patients, and to develop a quantified indicator of CIB.MethodsIn this retrospective study based on a prospective registry, distal UC patients receiving colonoscopies in Xijing Hospital (Xi’an, China) from January 2000 to May 2019 were studied. We developed a new score, namely the time-adjusted average Mayo endoscopic score (TA-MES), calculated as dividing the sum of the cumulative average MES over a period of surveillance time by the length of the endoscopic examination interval, to quantify the CIB. Cox regression was used to identify other potential risk factors.ResultsA total of 295 UC patients were followed for 1,487.02 patient-years. Among them, 140 patients (47.5%) experienced disease extension. Multivariate analysis showed that the TA-MES was significantly associated with disease extension in E1 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58–5.33, P = 0.001) and E2 (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.16–3.09, P = 0.011) patients. Other risk factors included hemoglobin of <90 g/L and appendiceal skip inflammation; the protective factors included age, E2 at diagnosis, former smoking, and 5-aminosalicylic acid dose. Otherwise, MES at diagnosis, maximal MES, and mean MES failed to estimate the risk of disease extension.ConclusionTA-MES is a good quantified indicator of CIB and is independently associated with increased disease extension in distal UC patients. Whether the dynamic multiple scoring system could be used as a risk factor in other chronic relapsing–remitting diseases is a direction for future research.

P179 Distinct ultrasound characteristics of the appendix in patients with ulcerative colitis: a prospective, cross-sectional cohort study

Abstract Background Increasing evidence suggests a role for the vermiform appendix in onset and relapse of ulcerative colitis (UC). Consequently, appendectomy is increasingly being seen as a potential alternative treatment. As a recent study suggests that patients with histological appendiceal inflammation are most likely to respond, pre-operative identification of ulcerative appendicitis could be beneficial1. Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is increasingly utilized in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with UC. The objective of this study was to characterize the appendix by IUS in UC patients with active and quiescent disease and healthy controls. Methods In this cross-sectional prospective observational cohort study, we performed appendiceal IUS on UC patients with active (A) disease (FCP&amp;gt;250 and SCCAI&amp;gt;5) and quiescent (Q) disease (FCP&amp;lt;150 and SCCAI&amp;lt;5), followed by age-, body mass index- and gender- matched healthy (H) controls. During IUS, the appendix was identified as a bowel structure with cecal origin and a blind-ending tip. IUS still images and cineloops were centrally and blindly read by an IUS expert (&amp;gt;1000 examinations). Primary outcomes were signs of appendicitis on IUS, defined as a &amp;lt;6 mm transverse appendiceal diameter3 (average of a cross-sectional and longitudinal measurement), hyperaemia (using the modified Limberg score2), presence of peri-appendiceal fat and fluid, and compressibility. Results Out of 95 (A n=35, Q n=30, H n=30) included patients, the majority (n=58, 61.1%) had a visible appendix on IUS, which was similar among cohorts (p=0.56). The appendiceal diameter measured &amp;gt;6.0mm in a significantly higher proportion of active UC patients (A: 45.5%, Q: 5.6%, H: 0.0%, p=0.01). An increased diameter occurred irrespective of disease extent (42.9% of E1/E2 endoscopic active patients). Although the appendiceal diameter was higher for UC patients (Q-H p= 0.02, A-H p&amp;lt; 0.01), no significant difference between A and Q patients was found (p=0.15, Fig. 1). A higher proportion of UC patients had incompressibility when compared to healthy controls (Fig. 2a, p= 0.02). Hypervascularity was present in 54.5% of active UC (Fig. 2b, p= 0.02). Fig 1. Box plot of appendiceal diameter (mm) among cohorts Fig 2 (a, b). Bar charts of incompressibility (a) and hypervascularity (b) among cohorts a b Conclusion Appendiceal IUS was feasible in UC patients. Characteristics of appendiceal inflammation of IUS were reported for UC patients, as both the transverse appendiceal diameter and incompressibility rates were significantly higher in UC patients when compared to healthy controls. Correlating appendiceal IUS findings to histological inflammation could contribute to identifying UC patients most likely to benefit from appendectomy.

P180 The prevalence and clinical course of atypical distribution of inflammation in newly diagnosed ulcerative colitis

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation extending from rectum to the proximal lesion. However, there are cases of atypical distribution of inflammation, such as appendiceal orifice inflammation (AOI), skipped lesion, and rectal sparing. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical course of atypical distribution of inflammation in newly diagnosed UC. Methods Between 2013 and 2021, 374 patients who underwent a colonoscopy at the time of diagnosis of UC were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical courses including relapse rate within 1-year, 2-year of diagnosis and exposure to immunomodulator or biologics during follow-up were retracted from the prospective IBD registry (ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02193464). Atypical UC was defined as patients with AOI, skipped lesion or rectal sparing at initial colonoscopy. The clinical courses and changes of endoscopic findings were compared between typical UC group and atypical UC group. Results Of 374 patients, 116 (31.0%) categorized as atypical UC; specifically, 90 (24.1%) showed AOI, 17 (4.5%) showed rectal sparing and 49 (13.1%) showed skipped lesion. When 90 patients with AOI were reclassified according to the extent of inflammation, 62(16.6%) had a localized inflammation at peri-appendiceal area, 13(3.5%) had an inflammation of the entire cecum, 15(4.0%) had an inflammation extends to the proximal A-colon. The clinical courses of atypical UC were not different from typical UC group, however, patients with skipped lesion showed a lower 1-year relapse rate compared to those without skipped lesion (P=0.042). Of 96 patients with atypical UC who underwent follow-up endoscopy, 73 (75.8%) demonstrated a typical distribution of UC at their follow-up colonoscopy. Conclusion Atypical distribution of UC including AOI, skipped lesion, and rectal sparing are not uncommon in patient with newly diagnosed UC. However, most of these features do not appear to correlate significantly with prognosis in the clinical course of UC. In majority of patients with atypical UC, the lesion turned into typical UC on follow-up colonoscopy.

Clinical relevance of endoscopic peri-appendiceal red patch in ulcerative colitis patients.

Background:Increasing evidence is suggesting appendectomy as an alternative treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC), especially in case of histological appendiceal inflammation. Therefore, preoperative identification of appendiceal inflammation could be beneficial. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of peri-appendiceal red patch (PARP) on colonoscopy. In addition, prognostic relevance of PARP for disease course and its predictive value for histological appendiceal inflammation in patients undergoing appendectomy was assessed.Methods:UC patients undergoing colonoscopy in 2014/2015 were included to determine PARP-prevalence in a cross-sectional study. Findings were correlated to patient and disease characteristics, upscaling of treatment and colectomy rates after cross-sectional colonoscopy. In patients undergoing appendiceal resection, histopathological inflammation was assessed using the Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI).Results:In total, 249 patients were included of which 17.7% (44/249) had a PARP. Patients with PARP were significantly younger with a shorter disease course. The majority of patients with PARP (61.4%) was in endoscopic remission. Patients with PARP required more upscaling of medical therapy (81.8% vs. 58.0%, p < 0.01), and more PARP patients underwent colectomy (13.6% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.04). Patients with PARP had a higher median RHI in resection specimens (14 vs. 7, p < 0.01).Conclusion:PARP was present during colonoscopy regardless disease activity and was predominantly found in UC patients with younger age and shorter disease duration. PARP patients had a more severe course of UC, and in case of appendectomy, more severe histopathological appendiceal inflammation. Appendectomy as an experimental therapy for UC has been suggested to be predominantly effective in UC patients with appendiceal inflammation. This study demonstrates that presence of a PARP on colonoscopy predicts appendiceal inflammation. After consensus has been reached on the therapeutic effect of appendectomy, assessing PARP presence during colonoscopy could therefore contribute to identifying patients most likely to respond.

Prognostic Value of Terminal Ileal Inflammation in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Background/AimsFew studies have investigated terminal ileal lesions and their prognostic value in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We evaluated the clinical significance of these lesions as a prognostic factor in patients with UC who were in clinical remission.MethodsWe retrospectively selected 567 of 4,066 colonoscopy reports that included positive findings from orificial observations of the terminal ileum (TI) and appendix in patients with UC. We finally recruited patients who were in clinical remission (n=204). We compared the clinical courses, including relapse and other prognostic parameters associated with UC, between the groups.ResultsThe baseline patient characteristics were not significantly different between patients with (n=69, TI+ group) and without TI lesions (n=135, TI– group), although there were more never-smokers in the TI+ group (n=57 [82.6%] in the TI+ group; n=86 [63.7%] in the TI– group; p=0.005). Of note, appendiceal orifice inflammation (AOI) was less frequently found in the TI+ group (14.5%) than in the TI– group (71.9%, p<0.001). The cumulative relapse rate was numerically higher in the TI– group, but it was not significantly different according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis (p=0.116). Multivariate Cox regression analysis also revealed advanced age at diagnosis as the most significant factor (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.964; 95% confidence interval, 0.932 to 0.998; p=0.037), but neither TI inflammation nor AOI were significantly associated with the cumulative relapse rate in patients with UC in clinical remission.ConclusionsFor patients with UC in clinical remission, neither terminal ileal lesions nor AOI had significant clinical or predictive value for future relapse.

High prevalence of ulcerative appendicitis in patients with ulcerative colitis.

BackgroundPrevious studies have indicated that the appendix may be a priming site of ulcerative colitis (UC). Appendectomy is inversely associated with the development of UC, and is suggested to have a beneficial effect on the disease course in patients with refractory disease.ObjectiveThe aim of the current study was to assess histological features of appendices from patients with UC and their clinical relevance.MethodsPatients with UC in remission and active UC (therapy refractory) that underwent appendectomy between 2012 and 2019 were included. Histological features of UC appendices were compared to those of patients with acute appendicitis and colon carcinoma. The Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI) was used to assess appendiceal inflammation. In patients with active UC, histological and clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without endoscopic response following appendectomy.ResultsIn total, 140 appendix specimens were assessed (n = 35 UC remission, n = 35 active UC, n = 35 acute appendicitis, n = 35 colon carcinoma). Histological features of appendices from UC patients looked like UC rather than acute appendicitis. The presence of active appendiceal inflammation was comparable between patients in remission versus active disease (53.7% vs. 46.3%, p = 0.45) and limited versus extensive disease (58.5% vs. 41.5%, p = 0.50). Endoscopic response (Mayo 0–1) following appendectomy, assessed in 28 therapy refractory patients, was more frequently seen in patients with higher RHI scores (RHI > 6: 81.8% vs. RHI ≤ 6: 9.1%, p = 0.03) and limited disease (proctitis/left sided 63.6% vs. pancolitis 36.4%, p = 0.02).ConclusionThe presence of active appendiceal inflammation is common in UC and does not correlate with colonic disease activity. More than 50% of UC patients in remission showed active histological disease in the appendix. Favorable response to appendectomy for refractory UC was seen in cases with ulcerative appendicitis. These findings might support the role of the appendix as a pivotal organ in UC.

Appendiceal inflammation in colectomy is independently correlated with early pouchitis following ileal pouch anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis

BackgroundAppendiceal inflammation in colectomy is one of the histologic predictors of pouchitis in ulcerative colitis (UC) following ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). Fecal calprotectin level has been shown to increase 2 months prior to the onset of pouchitis. We evaluated whether inflammation and calprotectin expression in appendiceal specimens correlate with early-onset pouchitis in UC and indeterminate colitis (IC). Materials and methodsIPAA (2000-2018) cases with appendix blocks available in colectomy specimens were identified (n = 93, 90 UC, 3 IC). Histologic features thought to predict pouchitis were evaluated. The degree of appendiceal inflammation was scored. Calprotectin immunostain was performed on the appendix blocks and the extent of mucosal staining was quantified. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, smoking history, clinical pouchitis, time of onset of pouchitis, and clinical and endoscopic components of the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) score. Follow-up pouch biopsies were reviewed and scored to generate histologic PDAI score, when available. ResultsAmong the patients with clinical pouchitis (n = 73), moderate to severe appendiceal inflammation independently correlated with earlier pouchitis compared to no/mild inflammation (median time to pouchitis 12.0 vs. 23.8, log rank p = 0.016). Calprotectin staining correlated with inflammatory scores of the appendix (Spearman's rho, r = 0.630, p < 0.001) but not with early pouchitis (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe presence of moderate to severe appendiceal inflammation at the time of colectomy was associated with a shorter time to pouchitis following IPAA. Calprotectin immunostain may be used to demonstrate the presence of inflammation in the appendix but its role in predicting early pouchitis remains limited.

Non-Operative Management of Appendicitis: Evolution, not Revolution.

Background: The medical fascination with the appendix vermiformis dates from the clandestine prosectors of the fifteenth century. The surgical management of appendiceal inflammation dates from 1735, but acceptance that acute appendicitis (AA) should be treated primarily by resection with or without drainage would not follow for 150 years. Recent publication of several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of non-operative management (NOM) of AA affords the opportunity to review the historical record, describe the evolution of AA management toward NOM, and assess what is in the best interest of the patient. Methods: Review and synthesis of historical and contemporary English, French, German, and Italian literature with expert opinion. Results: Modern understanding of AA dates to the landmark 1886 clinico-pathologic correlative study by Reginald Fitz, which coined the term appendicitis and coincided with recognition by surgeons that AA could be diagnosed pre-operatively and managed surgically, with mortality rates of approximately 10%. Not until 1901 did Albert Ochsner advocate NOM, paradoxically for severe cases unlikely to survive operation. Markedly decreased mortality coincided with the introduction of sulfanilamide in 1935 and penicillin and curare in 1942. The first large series of patients with AA treated primarily with NOM was published in 1956 by Eric Coldrey. Modern management evolved rapidly in the late twentieth century, including effective anti-anaerobic antibiotic agents (1970s), laparoscopic appendectomy (LA; 1980), and pelvis computed tomography with rectal contrast (1998) all representing important contributions. Randomized controlled trials of NOM of AA date to 1995, with one large trial (2015) showing that open appendectomy was not non-inferior to NOM, and another (2020) demonstrating non-inferiority between (mostly) LA and NOM. However, one-year failure rates are high (∼30%) and appear to increase further with longer follow-up. Conclusions: Laparoscopic appendectomy is curative and cost-effective management for AA, with low morbidity. Results of recent RCTs of NOM of AA indicate that LA remains the treatment of choice, particularly if a fecalith is present. However, patient preferences must be taken into account; some may prefer NOM for the 60%-70% chance that surgery may be avoided, which should be considered when providing informed consent. Non-operative management should be undertaken in the outpatient setting if possible. Antibiotic management-whether or not for NOM-should adhere to the principles of stewardship.

Appendiceal Orifice Inflammation in Severe Ulcerative Colitis and Its Resolution With Infliximab and Plant-based Diet as First-line Therapy.

Lay Summary Appendiceal orifice inflammation, which is often observed in mild or moderate distal ulcerative colitis, was observed in a case of severe UC. Appendiceal orifice inflammation resolved after new induction therapy for severe UC: infliximab and a plant-based diet as first-line therapy.

P083 High prevalence of ulcerative appendicitis in UC patients without colonic disease activity

Abstract Background The aim of the current study was to assess histological features of appendices from patients with UC and its clinical relevance. Methods Patients with UC in remission and active UC (therapy refractory) that underwent an appendectomy in the frame of clinical trials between 2012–2019 were included. Histological features of UC appendices were compared to those of patients with acute appendicitis and colon carcinoma. The Robarts Histopathology Index score (RHI) was used to assess appendiceal inflammation. In patients with active UC, clinical and histological characteristics were compared between patients with and without endoscopic response after appendectomy. Results In total, 140 appendix specimens were assessed (n=35 UC remission, n=35 active UC, n=35 acute appendicitis, n=35 colon carcinoma). Histological features of appendices from UC patients looked like UC rather than acute appendicitis. The incidence of active appendiceal inflammation was not different between UC patients in remission versus active disease (53.7% versus 46.3%, p=0.45) and limited versus extensive disease (58.5% versus 41.5%, p=0.50). Endoscopic response, assessed in 28 therapy refractory patients, was more frequently seen in patients with higher RHI scores (RHI&amp;gt;9 81.8% versus RHI≤9 9.1%, p=0.004) and limited disease (proctitis/left sided 63.6% versus pancolitis 36.4%, p=0.02). Conclusion The presence of active appendiceal inflammation is common in UC and not related to disease activity in the colon. More than 50% of UC patients in remission show active histological disease in the appendix. Favorable response to appendectomy for refractory UC was seen in cases with ulcerative appendicitis. These findings might support the role of the appendix as a driving force in UC.

DOP15 Clinical relevance of endoscopic peri-appendiceal red patch in Ulcerative Colitis patients

Abstract Background Recently, increasing evidence is suggesting appendectomy as an alternative treatment approach for ulcerative colitis (UC), especially in case of pathological inflammation of the appendix. Therefore, pre-operative identification of appendiceal inflammation could be of clinical importance to predict efficacy of therapeutic appendectomy. This study assessed the incidence of peri-appendiceal red patch (PARP) on colonoscopy, with the aim to correlate PARP to patient and disease characteristics. In addition, the prognostic relevance of PARP on course of disease, and more specifically, histopathological findings of inflammation in resection specimens of the appendix were assessed, to analyze if PARP could potentially be used to identify patients eligible for appendectomy. Methods All consecutive patients with UC undergoing colonoscopy in 2014 or 2015 were included to determine the incidence of PARP in a cross-sectional study. Findings were correlated to patient and disease characteristics, upscaling of treatment during disease course and colectomy rates. Degree of inflammation of the appendix in case of subsequent appendectomy/colectomy was determined and results were compared between patients with and without PARP. Histological inflammation was scored by an independent pathologist using the Robarts histopathology index (RHI). Results In total, 249 patients with an eligible endoscopy report were included. The incidence of PARP was 17.7% (44/249). Patients with PARP were significantly younger and had a shorter disease course. PARP patients with active disease had proctitis more frequently, although not significant (29.4% vs 11.4%, p= 0.19). Out of 44 PARP patients, 27 (61.4%) were found in colonoscopies showing endoscopic Mayo score 0 or 1. Patients with PARP required significantly more upscaling of medical therapy (81.8% vs 58.0%, p= 0.03), and during the median follow up of 71 months the PARP patient group underwent colectomy more frequently (13.6% vs 4.9%, p=0.04). Eighteen appendices were available for histological analysis, of which 8 showed a PARP pre-operatively. Patients with PARP had a higher median Robarts Histology Index (RHI) score compared to patients without a PARP (13.5 vs 6.5 p&amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusion PARP was predominantly found in UC patients with younger age and shorter disease duration and were demonstrated to have a more severe course of UC. Patients with PARP had a higher histopathological inflammation score. Since pathological inflammation of the appendix has been associated with improved efficacy of therapeutic appendectomy, it could be attractive to analyze if the presence of PARP might help in selecting patients more likely to respond to therapeutic appendectomy.

Crohn Disease Infrequently Affects the Appendix and Rarely Causes Granulomatous Appendicitis.

Data from previous studies suggest Crohn disease of the appendix accounts for ∼25% of granulomatous appendicitis cases. However, we have found that granulomatous inflammation in appendectomy specimens rarely heralds Crohn disease. We suspect that appendiceal involvement by Crohn disease is uncommon, even when patients have severe ileocolonic inflammation. We performed this study to determine the prevalence and nature of appendiceal inflammation among patients with Crohn disease. We reviewed 100 ileocolic specimens with strictures and fistulizing Crohn disease for the nature and distribution of inflammatory changes in the appendix and compared them with 100 appendices on colectomy specimens from age-matched and sex-matched patients with ulcerative colitis. We also evaluated 27 additional cases of granulomatous appendicitis in appendectomy specimens to determine the frequency with which this finding represented Crohn disease. The appendix was usually normal (26%) or showed fibrous obliteration (50%) in ileocolic resection specimens from patients with Crohn disease. Mucosal inflammation was much less common in appendices from patients with Crohn disease than ulcerative colitis (6% vs. 28%, P<0.0001); only 4 cases contained epithelioid granulomata, 3 showed mural fibrosis and lymphoid aggregates, and 10 displayed only periappendiceal inflammation. None of the patients with granulomatous appendicitis in appendectomy specimens had, or developed, evidence of Crohn disease. We conclude that Crohn disease infrequently affects the appendix. Interval appendectomy and infection are more important considerations when appendectomy specimens feature granulomatous inflammation and/or mural lymphoid aggregates, especially if there is no history of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease.

Amyand’s hernia complicated with appendicitis: an interval approach with transabdominal laparoscopic appendectomy and laparoscopic hernioplasty—a case report

Amyand's hernia is a rare classification of inguinal hernia where the vermiform appendix is located within the hernial sac. This case report discusses a patient presenting with abdominal and groin pain shown to be an Amyand's hernia complicated by acute appendicitis on computed tomography. The patient was treated with a two-stage approach, involving transabdominal laparoscopic appendectomy and elective laparoscopic hernioplasty after recovery. As some controversy exists regarding the timing of appendectomy and hernioplasty, we examine the benefits of the interval approach in the reduction of postoperative infection risk compared with a concurrent approach in patients presenting with Amyand's hernia complicated by appendiceal inflammation.

Appendiceal Carcinoid Tumor Contained in a Large Inguinal Hernia: A Case Report

We report the first case of a clinically diagnosed incidental appendiceal carcinoid tumor contained in an incarcerated inguinal hernia without inflammation of the appendix. A 67-year-old white man underwent elective open repair of an incarcerated right inguinal hernia containing small bowel, cecum, appendix, and ascending colon. He was found to have a grossly abnormal mass at the tip of his appendix. Appendectomy was performed, and histopathologic analysis confirmed the presence and adequate resection of a neuroendocrine tumor. It is important for general surgeons to be aware that unusual presentations of appendiceal tumors may not be associated with appendiceal inflammation or related symptoms.

Ultrasound Evidence of Acute Appendicitis in a Patient with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Introduction: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Children with HUS often present with gastrointestinal complaints, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. This presentation can mimic other gastrointestinal illnesses, including appendicitis, which further adds to the known diagnostic challenge. Case Report: We report an 8-year-old male who presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea-associated HUS. Kidney ultrasound obtained for acute kidney failure showed incidental findings of dilated appendix which were confirmed on a follow-up appendix ultrasound. Patient lacked the typical findings of acute appendicitis such as fever, abdominal tenderness or rigidity. We observed the patient without medical or surgical treatment for acute appendicitis as ultrasound findings were attributed to HUS, and the patient’s abdominal pain and HUS resolved without any intervention. Conclusion: Self-limited appendiceal inflammation may be seen in diarrhea-associated HUS, and the diagnostic utility of appendix ultrasound to evaluate for acute appendicitis may be limited in a patient with HUS and abdominal pain.

Comparison of the use of neutrophil: lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) to total leukocyte count in diagnosing appendicitis in adults with right iliac fossa pain

Introduction: Diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) is purely based on history, examination and few laboratory investigations. However, it is often a perplexing diagnostic problem during the early stages of the disease. Failure to make an early diagnosis is a primary reason for morbidity and mortality. Elevated leukocyte count is one of the indicators of appendiceal inflammation in patients with right iliac fossa pain and most of the patients with acute appendicitis present with leucocytosis. Recently, it has been seen that the neutrophil: lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) is a more sensitive marker than leukocytosis in patients with acute appendicitis.&#x0D; Method: This is a prospective observational study conducted over a period of one year in the department of surgery at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, from September 2013 to August 2014. The clinical diagnosis of Acute appendicitis was made by history and clinical examinations and laboratory investigations. Total leukocyte count (TLC) and NLCR of patients diagnosed as AA were measured and recorded in the pro forma. Histological diagnosis was taken as the final diagnosis.&#x0D; Results: A total of 106 patients were included in the study. Two third of the patients were male. Right iliac fossa tenderness was the most common sign. Ultrasound was able to diagnose acute appendicitis in 40.65% of the cases. NLCR&gt; 3.5 was observed in 90.56% of patients with acute appendicitis, whereas 78.3% of patients had leukocytosis only. High NLCR (5.60) is associated with complicated AA.&#x0D; Conclusion: NLCR is a more sensitive laboratory parameter than TLC in patients with RIF pain to diagnose acute appendicitis. A high NLCR ratio has a high likelihood of a complicated AA.

Combined totally extraperitoneal preperitoneal repair and laparoscopic appendectomy for treatment of an asymptomatic, incarcerated Amyand’s hernia in an adult

Amyand’s hernia is a rare variety of inguinal hernia wherein the vermiform appendix is contained within the hernia sac. It is generally reported to present emergently with symptoms of an incarcerated inguinal hernia and is diagnosed intraoperatively. We report the first known case of an incarcerated Amyand’s hernia presenting asymptomatically in an adult, with subsequent diagnosis during elective laparoscopic repair of the hernia. This case highlights the potential for this variety of hernia to present to surgeons who perform only elective hernia repairs. We describe our method of a combined preperitoneal TEP repair of the hernia with conversion to intraabdominal laparoscopy to reduce the appendix and perform appendectomy. This technique has several benefits, including minimal comorbidity to the patient and minimal risk of infection. The necessity for appendectomy in cases of Amyand’s hernia without appendiceal inflammation is debated, as is the use of prosthetic mesh to repair the hernia when appendectomy is performed. The threshold to remove the appendix can be low if infection risk is minimized.

Perforated appendicitis: accuracy of ct diagnosis and correlation of ct findings with the length of hospital stay.

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of CT findings in the differentiation of perforated from nonperforated appendicitis and correlate CT diagnosis with the length of hospital stay. An analytical study. This study was conducted at Radiology Department of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2004 to June 2005. The study included 70 patients who presented with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and underwent pre-operative CT scan followed by appendectomy. Patients were divided into two groups of having perforated and nonperforated appendicitis on the basis of CT scan findings. The surgical and pathological reports combined were considered the reference standard for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis. Various CT scan findings and average duration of hospital stay in days was compared by t-test. Twenty-six (37%) of 70 patients had perforated appendicitis. It was correctly identified on pre-operative CT scan in 18 patients. There were 18 true positive diagnoses, 43 true negative diagnoses, 1 false positive diagnosis and 8 false negative diagnoses which yielded a sensitivity of 69%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value of 94% and negative predictive value of 84%. Mean length of hospital stay in perforated group was 6.3 days and 2.9 days in nonperforated group. Severe periappendiceal inflammation, periappendiceal and or abdominopelvic fluid and abscess were significantly associated with perforated appendicitis and with a significant longer hospital stay (p < .001). CT scan is 69% sensitive and 97% specific for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis and constellation of CT findings can be used to select patients with perforated appendicitis for initial non-operative management. Presence of CT signs of significant appendiceal inflammation is independent predictor of longer hospital stay.

Audit of Surgery For Acute Appendicitis in National Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Birgunj

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies in the world. The purpose of this study is to know clinical profile and outcome of surgery in patients with acute appendicitis.Materials and methods: This retrospective study was done in National Medical college and Teaching Hospital, Birgunj, Nepal from 2013 April to 2016 April. A total of 184 patients with suspected appendicitis who underwent surgery were included in the study. Patient's demographics, clinical features, white blood cell count, operative findings, histology report and outcome of surgery were recorded on patient's proforma.Results: Among 184 nd patients, 115 were males (62.5%) and 69 were females (37.5%). The majority of our patients were in the 2 decade (36.4%) followed rd by 3 decade (33.2%) with only 41.3% presenting within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (100%), vomiting (68.5%), fever (37.5%) and history of migration of pain was present in 60.9%. Localized and generalized abdominal tenderness were present in 91.8% and 8.2% respectively. The most common incisions were gridiron (64.1%) and Lanz (27.2%). The negative appendicectomy rate was 9.2%. Acute appendiceal inflammation and gangrenous appendicitis was present in 69% and 4.9% respectively. The perforation rate was 16.8%. Post operative complications included surgical site infection (12.6%), complete wound dehiscence (1.1%) and chest infection (1.6%). The median length of hospital stay was 8 days. There was no mortality.Conclusion: Acute appendicitis is more commonly seen in young adults. Majority of patients present late in hospital. This delay presentation increases morbidity and treatment cost. JNGMC Vol. 14 No. 1 July 2016, Page: 2-4