title: A case report describing diverticulosis of the appendix presenting as acute appendicitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diverticulosis of the appendix (DA) is a rare clinical finding which is often confused with acute or chronic appendicitis and is usually only identified during or after appendectomy. The symptoms of DA can last for up to two weeks and laboratory studies tend to reflect a more chronic inflammation. Distinguishing the two entities is important as DA has a higher risk for perforation and may be associated with an underlying malignancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 54--year old African--American male presented with three--days of right sided abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Physical exam and abdominal CT imaging were concerning for early acute appendicitis. The patient was taken emergently to the operating room for laparoscopic appendectomy. Extensive adhesions were found around the Appendix which was grossly abnormal with multiple diverticula. The patient had an uneventful recovery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with DA are often misdiagnosed with chronic or acute appendicitis based on their presenting symptoms and imaging. While appendectomy is the definitive treatment, diagnosing DA before surgery is important in determining the patient's risks and potential complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diverticulosis of the Appendix is a rare clinical entity which is often misdiagnosed. Better imaging techniques and higher indices of clinical suspicion are needed to make the appropriate diagnoses before patients are taken for surgery.
authors.affiliation: Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA. Electronic address: slk325@drexel.edu.
authors.forename: Sarah L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19143, USA.
authors.forename: Madhu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Siddeswarappa
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19143, USA.
authors.forename: Mohammad Farrukh
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Khan
keywords: Acute appendicitis; Appendix; Case report; Diverticulosis; Diverticulosis of the appendix