Coexistence of acute appendicitis and cecal inflammatory pseudotumor in a young male: Rare collision at the cecum - A case study.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPTs) of the cecum are rare benign lesions that can pose significant diagnostic challenges due to their ability to mimic malignancy. The occurrence of a cecal IPT in conjunction with acute appendicitis is an exceedingly uncommon phenomenon, with scant documentation in existing literature. Understanding these conditions is crucial for timely and accurate diagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case involving a 24-year-old male who exhibited classic symptoms of acute appendicitis. During intraoperative exploration, an inflamed appendix was found alongside a 4x4x3 cm inflammatory mass located on the cecum. The patient underwent a successful resection of the mass and appendectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnoses of both acute appendicitis and an inflammatory pseudotumor of the cecum.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

This case underscores the necessity of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when patients present with acute abdominal pain. The rare coexistence of acute appendicitis and a cecal IPT highlights the importance of thorough surgical exploration and histopathological evaluation to achieve an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. The findings contribute to the limited literature on this subject and emphasize the potential for atypical presentations in common surgical emergencies.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this case illustrates the importance of vigilance in diagnosing abdominal conditions that may present similarly. The coexistence of acute appendicitis and a cecal IPT serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in surgical diagnosis, advocating for comprehensive evaluation strategies.