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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jun 16, 2010; 2(6): 232-234
Published online Jun 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i6.232
Published online Jun 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i6.232
Postcolonoscopy appendicitis in a patient with active ulcerative colitis
Natalie M Bachir, Linda A Feagins, Departments of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and the VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX 75216, United States
Author contributions: Bachir NM was the primary preparer of the paper; and Feagins LA was involved in the paper conception, organization, editing and review.
Supported by the Office of Medical Research, Department of Veteran’s Affairs (Dallas, TX) and the Harris Methodist Health Foundation, Dr. Clark R Gregg Fund
Correspondence to: Linda A Feagins, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas VA Hospital, 4500 S. Lancaster Rd. (111B1), Dallas, TX 75216, United States. lindaa.feagins@va.gov
Telephone: +1-214-8571603 Fax: +1-214-8571571
Received: February 8, 2010
Revised: May 13, 2010
Accepted: May 20, 2010
Published online: June 16, 2010
Revised: May 13, 2010
Accepted: May 20, 2010
Published online: June 16, 2010
Abstract
Complications due to diagnostic colonoscopy are uncommon and acute appendicitis is a very rare complication of colonoscopy. This poses a diagnostic challenge as the presentation of appendicitis is similar to that of other complications of colonoscopy such as perforation or postpolypectomy syndrome. It is hypothesized that postcolonoscopy appendicitis might be associated with obstruction of the appendiceal lumen with fecal matter during colonoscopy. None of the previous reports in the literature have described findings of appendicitis after colonoscopy in a patient with active ulcerative colitis. We present a case of a 28 year-old man with active ulcerative colitis who underwent colonoscopy and subsequently developed acute appendicitis.