Early appendicitis--a safe diagnosis?
BACKGROUND
Serosal inflammation of the appendix in association with a significant peritoneal exudate can be mistaken for early acute appendicitis. We highlight the importance of looking for other sources of intra-abdominal sepsis in this clinical setting.


METHODS
We present 3 cases of so-called "mild" appendicitis with serosal inflammation that was ultimately shown to be caused by Meckel's diverticulitis.


METHODS
All 3 patients initially underwent an appendicectomy. In 2 of these cases, a further laparotomy and excision of a Meckel's diverticulum was carried out. All 3 made an uneventful recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
Meckel's diverticulitis can mimic acute appendicitis in clinical history, physical findings and operative findings. It is important to always consider this as a possible cause for an acute abdomen.
Department of Paediatric Surgery, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074. LohDL@nuh.com.sg
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Loh
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Munro
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Wilson-Storey
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Orr
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008467:Meckel Diverticulum / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*