title: Intussusception of vermiform appendix with microscopic melanosis coli: a case report.
abstract: Intussusception of the appendix is a rare occurrence. Due to the similarity of its symptoms with appendicitis, preoperative diagnosis of this condition is extremely difficult. In this report, we present appendiceal intussusception with histological melanosis coli that occurred in a patient on long-term anthranoid laxative use for chronic constipation. Melanosis coli in the appendiceal tissue, as an indicator of chronic laxative intake, may be a clue implying that the appendical exposure to hyperperistalsis for a long time in our case led to the intussusception. We conclude that colonoscopy may help in preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal intussusception in patients with suspicious appendicitis, particularly in those using laxative medication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Sişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. akbayirn@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Nihat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Akbayir
authors.forename: Sadik
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yildirim
authors.forename: H Mehmet
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Sökmen
authors.forename: Güray
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kiliç
authors.forename: Levent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Erdem
authors.forename: Canan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alkim
mesh_terms: D000880:Anthraquinones / Q000009:adverse effects; D001065:Appendix / Q000473:pathology*; D002400:Cathartics / Q000009:adverse effects; D002429:Cecal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D007443:Intussusception / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008548:Melanosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D010528:Peristalsis / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000880:Anthraquinones; D002400:Cathartics