The Case of Acute Appendicitis and Appendiceal Duplication

Abstract

Background: Appendiceal anomalies are extremely rare malformations that are usually found in the adult population as an incidental finding during laparotomy performed for other reasons. Abnormal development of the appendix usually takes the form of a double appendix. Accompanying intestinal, genito-urinary or vertebral malformations may be present when appendiceal duplications are detected in childhood.

Case Report : Presented herein is a case of perforated double appendix, which causes acute abdomen in a child, without any co-existing pathology.

Conclusion : Appendiceal anomalies are of great practical importance and a surgeon must bear them in mind during an operation. If he overlooks them, the patient undergoing surgery may experience grave consequences. They also may be a forensic issue in cases when a second explorative laparotomy reveals ‘previously removed’ vermiform appendix.

Key Words:

• Appendix vermiform
• duplication
• acute abdomen.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

H. Yanar

H. Yanar, M.D. Eski vezir sk. Emek Apt. No: 27 D: 4 Capa, Istanbul, 34390 Turkey Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]