Measles and appendicitis.

Two patients who were admitted in the prodromal stage of measles with right lower quadrant pain are described. One patient underwent appendectomy. Histologic examination of the appendix showed the characteristic Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells in the subepithelial layer and allowed the pathologist to predict a measles rash before it appeared. The second patient's pain resolved spontaneously and the measles rash appeared just prior to discharge from the hospital. A discussion of the association between measles and appendicitis is presented. It is concluded that although the association between measles and right lower quadrant abdominal pain is interesting, it must not dissuade the surgeon from performing an appendectomy if the patient's signs and symptoms suggest appendicitis.