[Subphrenic abscess due to ectopic appendicitis].
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic subphrenic abscesses are uncommon in children. Standard chest X-rays may provide the suspicion of this diagnosis. Initial percutaneous drainage of the collection is usually performed. Surgery is required when the underlying cause remains unknown.


METHODS
A 12-year-old boy presented signs of pulmonary abscess. Chest X-rays, ultrasonography and computed tomography established the diagnosis of a right subphrenic abscess, which was percutaneously drained. Surgery disclosed an ectopic appendiceal perforation.


CONCLUSIONS
In children, appendicitis is the main etiology of primary or postoperative subphrenic suppurations. Ectopic appendicitis is an important predisposing factor to this complication.
Di Marco
J N
JN
Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier du Pays d'Aix, Aix-en-Provence, France.
Poujol
A
A
Rimet
Y
Y
Jarry
J M
JM
Bryselbout
M A
MA
Brusquet
Y
Y
D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D001065:Appendix / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013369:Subphrenic Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery