PURPOSE: To document findings in a subgroup of patients with acute appendicitis that spontaneously resolved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 1989 through December 1995, nine patients were seen with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis that did not necessitate immediate surgery. Clinical, ultrasound (US), and pathologic findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Four of the nine patients underwent elective appendectomy 15-84 days (mean, 52 days) after initial presentation, and five did not undergo surgery. Seven patients experienced spontaneous pain relief before admission to the hospital, and two improved within a few hours of being admitted. No patient had an indication of peritoneal irritation at physical examination. Four patients had a normal white blood cell count, and five had leukocytosis. Maximum appendiceal diameter was 9-12 mm. Five patients had inflamed periappendiceal fat. No patient had abscess or appendicolithiasis shown at US. A normal appendix was identified at follow-up (mean, 40 months; range, 1-60 months) in four of five patients who did not undergo elective appendectomy. Two patients experienced recurrent bouts of pain, and one of these patients underwent appendectomy before the planned elective procedure. CONCLUSION: On the basis of clinical, US, and pathologic findings, mild acute appendicitis spontaneously resolved in a subgroup of patients.
PURPOSE: To document findings in a subgroup of patients with acute appendicitis that spontaneously resolved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 1989 through December 1995, nine patients were seen with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis that did not necessitate immediate surgery. Clinical, ultrasound (US), and pathologic findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Four of the nine patients underwent elective appendectomy 15-84 days (mean, 52 days) after initial presentation, and five did not undergo surgery. Seven patients experienced spontaneous pain relief before admission to the hospital, and two improved within a few hours of being admitted. No patient had an indication of peritoneal irritation at physical examination. Four patients had a normal white blood cell count, and five had leukocytosis. Maximum appendiceal diameter was 9-12 mm. Five patients had inflamed periappendiceal fat. No patient had abscess or appendicolithiasis shown at US. A normal appendix was identified at follow-up (mean, 40 months; range, 1-60 months) in four of five patients who did not undergo elective appendectomy. Two patients experienced recurrent bouts of pain, and one of these patients underwent appendectomy before the planned elective procedure. CONCLUSION: On the basis of clinical, US, and pathologic findings, mild acute appendicitis spontaneously resolved in a subgroup of patients.
Authors: Imre Ilves; Hannu E K Paajanen; Karl-Heinz Herzig; Anne Fagerström; Pekka J Miettinen Journal: World J Surg Date: 2011-04 Impact factor: 3.352
Authors: Fraukje Wiersma; Boudewijn R Toorenvliet; Johan L Bloem; Jan Hein Allema; Herma C Holscher Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2008-09-25 Impact factor: 5.315