Idiopathic segmental infarction of the greater omentum: a rare cause of acute abdomen.

Idiopathic segmental infarction of the greater omentum is a rare cause of acute abdomen. Patients, typically children or obese males in their fifties, present with abdominal pain located in the right upper or lower quadrant, mimicking cholecystitis and appendicitis. CT scanning and ultrasound imaging both may show a well-circumscribed soft tissue mass. Retrospective review of all patients treated for idiopathic segmental infarction of the greater omentum occurred from January 1993 to December 2001. Nine patients were treated successfully, six surgically and three medically. Conservative management of segmental infarction of the greater omentum can be proposed when correctly diagnosed by ultrasound imaging or CT scanning and the patient's condition is stable. If not, laparoscopic removal of the involved segment of the greater omentum is the treatment of choice.