An Unusual Presentation of Acute Appendicitis Mimicking Sigmoid Diverticulitis: A Case Report
2024

Unusual Case of Appendicitis in an Elderly Patient

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Suer Muhammed Salih

Primary Institution: Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, TUR

Hypothesis

Can acute appendicitis present atypically in elderly patients, mimicking other conditions like sigmoid diverticulitis?

Conclusion

Acute appendicitis can present with atypical symptoms in elderly patients, leading to potential misdiagnosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Elderly patients often present with atypical symptoms of appendicitis.
  • Misdiagnosis can occur due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions.
  • Imaging studies are crucial for accurate diagnosis in complex cases.

Takeaway

Sometimes, older people with appendicitis can feel pain on the left side instead of the right, which can confuse doctors.

Methodology

Case report detailing clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and surgical intervention.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in diagnosis due to atypical presentation.

Limitations

Single case report limits generalizability of findings.

Participant Demographics

70-year-old male with chronic heart failure, arrhythmia, and renal failure.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.74138

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