Appendix Disease & Meckel’s Diverticulum
DEFINITION:
Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix
Carcinoid tumor: most common tumor of appendix; requires surgical removal See also Bowel-Carcinoid Tumors (Chapter 2.08)
Meckel’s Diverticulum: congenital omphalomesenteric mucosa remnant that may contain ectopic gastric mucosa
Located on antimesenteric side of ileum, usually 2 feet from IC valve, 2% of population, 2% develop diverticulitis
Gastric mucosa, if present, can lead to ileal ulcer and cause small intestinal bleed
EPIDEMIOLOGY:
Peak incidence: 15-19 years old
Highest risk groups for perforation: children <5 yrs, elderly (as high as 75%), DM and immunosuppressed patients also at risk
ETIOLOGIES:
DDX of RLQ pain:
Ectopic pregnancy, Tubo-ovarian abscess, PID, Torsion of ovary, Incarcerated herniaRelated posts:
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