Epiploic appendagitis diagnosis linked to intestinal symptoms: Case reports

Abstract

Epiploic appendices are small pouches filled with projection-like fat structure adjacent to the antimesenteric side of the colon wall; they range in size from 0.5 to 5 cm and provide vascularization from small arterioles. Epiploic appendagitis is a benign condition of the epiploic appendices which leads to ischemia of the structure. Ischemia, therefore, causes localized sharp abdominal pain. Though uncommon, its symptoms can be diagnosed as acute lower abdominal pain since the symptoms could mimic diverticulitis and appendicitis. Thus, to diagnose epiploic appendagitis in this case, a CT scan was conducted to detect a fat-dense lesion of ovoid-like structure close to the colon. Given the good response to conservative management, establishing a correct diagnosis could help to minimize inappropriate invasive management.