Old and new infarction of an epiploic appendage: ultrasound mimicry of appendicitis.

Epiploic appendagitis is a self-limiting disease. Depending on its location, it may simulate nearly any acute abdominal condition. The ultrasound and computed tomographic (CT) features are characteristic, enabling ready diagnosis and thus preventing an unnecessary laparotomy. We describe a patient with acute abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant, in whom the combination of an old and fresh infarction of an epiploic appendage simulated appendicitis on ultrasound. Subsequent CT examination made the correct diagnosis.