Atypical appendicitis in children: clinical presentation, imaging features, and management plan

Abstract: Atypical appendicitis is not uncommon in pediatrics. Factors that are usually seen in such presentations include:
Age less than five years, developmental delay, ectopic anatomic location of the appendix, subacute or chronic appendicitis, and
symptomatic treatment in addition to early inconclusive investigations. Children with Autistic spectrum disorder often suffer
from communication problems, which might affect their ability to deliver their complaints effectively. It is usually parent’s
interpretation that physicians will rely on as they are the best to delineate minor changes of their children’s behavior and body
language signs, so that a correct diagnosis may be reached. Atypical appendicitis is usually a delayed diagnosis with increased
morbidity and mortality. In this paper we illustrate the possible causes of atypical appendicitis in childhood, and review its
clinical presentation, radiologic findings, and management plan as mentioned in medical literature. We also present a rare case of
subacute appendicitis in a 5 years old autistic girl with atypical presentation, misleading imaging features, and re-admission after
successful laparoscopy. Our aim is to present the importance of clinical assessment and suggest an approach to improve practice
regarding childhood appendicitis which can be an endless trap for both patients and practitioners

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: American journal of pediatrics. - 9, 2 (2023) , 98-103, ISSN: 2472-0909

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2024
• Creator: Alsaeed, Gihad ; Alassiri, Ali ; Rizk, Tamer ; Alshamali, Anas ; Alsaeed, Suhib ; Aslaeed, Mohamed ; Bakri, Lama

Further information

• DOI: 10.11648/j.ajp.20230902.18
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2547804
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 25.03.2025, 1:54 PM CET