The ‘wandering appendicolith’

Sonia L. Betancourt, Diana Palacio, George S. Bisset

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is a common pediatric surgical emergency. Successful surgical appendectomy requires removal of the appendix and its contents. A retained appendicolith is a complication that occurs when the appendicolith is expulsed from the appendix as a result of perforation or failure of removal during surgery. An ectopic appendicolith can migrate to a variety of ectopic locations, acting as a nidus for abscess. Clinical presentation may be delayed by days, weeks or even months after surgery. We present and discuss an unusual case of empyema caused by migration of an appendicolith into the chest cavity. Management of these retained appendicoliths requires drainage of the abscess and extraction of the appendicolith.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1091-1094
Number of pages4
JournalPediatric radiology
Volume45
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Appendicitis
  • Appendicolith
  • Child
  • Computed tomography
  • Empyema
  • Perforation
  • Ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The ‘wandering appendicolith’'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this