Case Report
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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 7, 2013; 19(1): 122-124
Published online Jan 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i1.122
Atresia of the appendix vermiformis: A rare case of developmental abnormality
Faik Yaylak, Mustafa Cem Algin, Yesim Gungor, Mehmet Korkmaz
Faik Yaylak, Mustafa Cem Algin, Department of General Surgery, Dumlupinar University Faculty of Medicine, 43020 Kutahya, Turkey
Yesim Gungor, Department of General Surgery, Kastamonu Munif Islamoglu State Hospital, 37100 Kastamonu, Turkey
Mehmet Korkmaz, Department of Radiology, Dumlupinar University Faculty of Medicine, 43020 Kutahya, Turkey
Author contributions: Yaylak F and Gungor Y were responsible for the review of the literature and the initial preparation of the paper; Yaylak F, Korkmaz M, and Algin MC prepared the final version of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Faik Yaylak, MD, Assistant Professor of General Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Dumlupinar University Faculty of Medicine, Merkez Kampus, 43020 Kutahya, Turkey. surg.faikyaylak@yahoo.com
Telephone: +90-274-2652286 Fax: +90-274-2652286
Received: July 12, 2012
Revised: October 15, 2012
Accepted: October 30, 2012
Published online: January 7, 2013
Abstract

Acute appendicitis, which requires immediate surgical intervention, is an important diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen. However, developmental abnormalities may interfere with the preoperative diagnosis and surgical treatment in some cases. Agenesis and atresia of the cecal vermiform appendix is an extremely rare clinical diagnosis. In addition, preoperative diagnosis may be difficult in some cases. Thus, diagnosis of the congenital absence of the vermiform appendix requires a thorough exploration of the retrocecal and ileocecal regions. A 59-year-old male was admitted from the emergency services with right lower abdominal pain. A celiotomy was performed with the suspicion of acute appendicitis. However, an atresia of the vermiform appendix was observed. The patient’s appendix was thus removed. Pathological examination confirmed suppurative appendicitis. This case underlines the importance of the clinical entity for surgeons who may deal with a similar case.

Keywords: Appendix vermiformis; Developmental abnormality; Agenesis; Atresia; Acute abdomen