Predictive model for identification of gangrenous or perforated appendicitis in adults: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Gangrene and perforation are severe complications of acute appendicitis, associated with a higher mortality rate compared to uncomplicated appendicitis. Accurate preoperative identification of Gangrenous or perforated appendicitis (GPA) is crucial for timely surgical intervention. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study includes 796 patients who underwent appendectomy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses are used to develop a nomogram model for predicting GPA based on laboratory tests and computed tomography (CT) findings. The model is validated using an external dataset. RESULTS: Seven independent predictors were included in the nomogram: white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, D-dimer, serum glucose, albumin, maximum outer diameter of the appendix, and presence of appendiceal fecalith. The nomogram achieved good discrimination and calibration in both the training and testing sets. In the training set, the AUC was 0.806 (95%CI: 0.763-0.849), and the sensitivity and specificity were 82.1% and 66.9%, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration (P = 0.7378). In the testing set, the AUC was 0.799 (95%CI: 0.741-0.856), and the sensitivity and specificity were 70.5% and 75.3%, respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed the clinical utility of the nomogram. CONCLUSION: The laboratory test-CT nomogram model can effectively identify GPA patients, aiding in surgical decision-making and improving patient outcomes.

Study of Number of Germinal Centers of Vermiform Appendix in Bangladeshi People of Different Age and Sex.

The vermiform appendix is a tubular, blind-ended secondary lymphoid organ located near the caecum, often referred to as the "tonsil of the abdomen" due to the abundance of lymphoid follicles in its histology. The presence of germinal centers, which are indicators of lymphatic tissue response to antigens and subsequent antibody production, helps assess the immune status of individuals. By counting these germinal centers, researchers can evaluate the immune status of the Bangladeshi population across different age and sex groups. This study was conducted at Mymensingh Medical College, approximately 120 km north of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Samples were randomly selected from the local population between 2016 and 2017, including 40 vermiform appendices from various age groups: Group A (up to 20 years), Group B (21-40 years), Group C (41-60 years) and Group D (over 60 years). After obtaining ethical approval, the germinal centers, identified by their lighter staining in the center of lymphoid follicles, were counted under a microscope (X4 objective, X10 eyepiece). The average number of germinal centers per age group was then calculated. The study found that the mean±SD number of germinal centers was 3.20±1.66, 2.40±0.66, 1.50±1.11 and 0.30±0.45 across the advancing age groups. The mean differences of number of germinal center between A&B, B&C were statistically non significant at p= or >0.05 level, difference between group C&D, A&C was statistically significant at p<0.05 level and differences between group B&D, A&D were statistically highly significant at p<0.001 level. Mean±SD number of germinal center of vermiform appendix in male was higher (3.60±1.02, 2.42±0.49, 1.50±1.26 and 0.33±0.47 in Group A, B, C and D respectively) than in female (2.80±1.17, 2.33±0.94, 1.30±0.87 and 0.25±0.43 in Group A, B, C and D respectively) but mean difference between sexes in the different groups was statistically non significant at p=or >0.05 level. Overall, the study observed a gradual decline in the number of germinal centers with increasing age.

Comparative study of imaging features in uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is a common cause of acute abdominal pain necessitating surgical intervention. While the traditional treatment has been urgent appendectomy, recent studies suggest that an antibiotics-first approach can be safe for uncomplicated cases. Classifying appendicitis into uncomplicated and complicated categories is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and predicting patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the distinct imaging findings associated with uncomplicated appendicitis and its complicated subtypes-phlegmonous, gangrenous, and perforated appendicitis-to aid in differential diagnosis. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2023 and included 1,250 patients (492 women, 758 men) who underwent an appendectomy with available pathology results. After excluding 56 patients with normal pathology, 52 with non-appendicitis pathologies, and 48 with inaccessible computed tomography (CT) images, 1,094 patients were analyzed. CT images were evaluated for appendiceal diameter, wall thickness, cecal wall thickness, periappendiceal fat stranding, effusion, lymphadenopathy, intraluminal and free periappendiceal air, mucosal hyperenhancement, and the presence of appendicolith. RESULTS: The diameter of the appendix, along with the presence of periappendiceal air, effusion, and intraluminal appendicolith, were significantly higher in the perforated appendicitis group compared to other groups (p<0.05). Periappendiceal fat stranding, evaluated as a binary variable, did not show significant differences among the groups. Appendiceal wall thickness was higher in the perforated group and lower in the non-perforated gangrenous group compared to the uncomplicated group (p<0.05). No significant correlation was found for mucosal hyperenhancement between the appendicitis subgroups. Intraluminal air, though normal in a healthy appendix, was a specific predictor of complicated appendicitis when combined with other findings. CONCLUSION: This study provides a detailed analysis of distinct imaging findings associated with uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. Key differentiators such as appendiceal diameter, periappendiceal air, effusion, and intraluminal appendicolith are crucial for accurate diagnosis. The findings highlight the importance of these parameters in distinguishing various types of appendicitis, offering valuable insights for clinical practice. Future prospective studies and advanced imaging techniques are needed to validate these findings and enhance the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis and its complications.

Impact of an appendicolith and its characteristics on the severity of acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics have been reported as an efficient and safe treatment option for uncomplicated acute appendicitis without an appendicolith diagnosed using computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study was to assess the association of a CT-diagnosed appendicolith and its characteristics with appendicitis severity. METHODS: A large prospective patient cohort with suspected acute appendicitis enrolled between April 2017 and November 2018 was retrospectively reviewed. The initial analysis evaluated the association of a CT-diagnosed appendicolith with complicated acute appendicitis; then, based on the availability of CT images, a subset of patients was analysed for the correlation of appendicolith characteristics with appendicitis severity. The final appendicitis assessment (uncomplicated or complicated-including perforation, gangrene, an abscess, or a tumour) was determined for all patients. RESULTS: Out of 3512 eligible patients, 3085 patients with appendicitis were selected and 380 patients with an appendicolith and with a CT image available for reassessment were included. Out of the 3085 patients with CT-diagnosed acute appendicitis, 1101 (35.7%) patients presented with both acute appendicitis and an appendicolith and, out of these, 519 (47.1%) had complicated acute appendicitis. In the patients without an appendicolith (1984 patients), 426 (21.5%) had complicated appendicitis (P < 0.001). Re-evaluation of CT images for 380 patients showed that a larger appendicolith diameter (OR = 1.15 (95% c.i. 1.06 to 1.25); P < 0.001), appendicolith location at the base of the appendix (55.1% versus 44.9%; P = 0.008), and heterogeneous appendiceal wall enhancement around the appendicolith (68.4% versus 31.6%; P < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of complicated acute appendicitis. CONCLUSION: The presence of an appendicolith in patients with acute appendicitis is correlated with the risk of complicated appendicitis. This risk is further increased by a larger appendicolith diameter or appendicolith location at the base of the appendix.

What do you do with a normal appearing appendix? A national study of Pediatric Surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: Surgeons may encounter a grossly normal appearing appendix in a patient with clinically suspected appendicitis. The purpose of this study is to determine the practice of pediatric surgeons in Saudi Arabia when this is encountered, and determine the reasons behind their decision making. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to all pediatric surgeons in Saudi Arabia. Data points collected included demographics, peri-operative imaging preference, and personal practice when managing an intra-operative grossly normal appendix in symptomatic children. RESULTS: A total of 105 responses were obtained yielding a response rate of 33.8% The majority of respondents, 88 (87.1%) would remove the appendix while 13 (12.9%) would leave it in situ. The most common reason for removing the appendix was the possibility of microscopic/Endo appendicitis 71 (34.8%) while the most common reason for leaving the appendix in situ was the possible usage of the appendix for reconstructive benefits in the future 11 (50%). The overwhelming majority 87 (86.1%) felt that there were no sufficient guidelines on removal of the normal appearing appendix at the time of surgery for suspected acute appendicitis. CONCLUSION: The majority of pediatric surgeons in Saudi Arabia would proceed with an appendectomy when an intra-operative grossly normal appendix is seen in patients suspected to have acute appendicitis. There is a clear lack of published pediatric guidelines and large studies to guide the correct course of action.

An FUO patient diagnosed as appendicitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and management of fever of unknown origin pose significant challenges in the field of infectious diseases, as it is influenced by various factors. Infectious diseases have long been recognized as the primary etiology of fever of unknown origin. However, not all infectious diseases can definitively identify the causative pathogen and infection sites. CASE PRESENTATION: we present a case report of an individual with fever, nausea, and anorexia but did not report any abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed no signs of abdominal tenderness. Repeated imaging studies including enhanced CT and color US of the appendix, only one color US suggested the possibility of appendicitis. Despite effective anti-infective treatment, the patient continued to experience low-grade fever, leading to the decision for laparoscopic exploration and subsequent appendectomy. Pathological findings confirmed the presence of appendicitis. After the surgical procedure, the patient's temperature and infectious markers returned to within normal range, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: The atypical symptoms and signs, along with the negative imaging results, contribute to the under diagnosis of appendicitis and the progression of fever of unknown origin, thereby exacerbating the physical, mental, and economic burden on patients. Consequently, there are valuable insights to be gained regarding the management of both appendicitis and fever of unknown origin.

Appendicolith classification: physical and chemical properties of appendicoliths in patients with CT diagnosed acute appendicitis - a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Appendicoliths are associated with a more complicated course of acute appendicitis and failure of non-operative treatment. We aimed to update the appendicolith classification originally described in 1966 and to assess the association of appendicolith characteristics with appendicitis severity. DESIGN: This prospective predefined MAPPAC-trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03257423) substudy included patients with CT diagnosed appendicitis presenting with an appendicolith. CT visible appendicoliths were harvested at surgery, measured and characterised by morphological examination complemented with micro-CT and micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Patients were categorised into two groups: appendicolith appendicitis without other complications and appendicolith appendicitis with complications (appendiceal gangrene, perforation and/or abscess). The association of appendicolith classification and characteristics with appendicitis severity was evaluated. RESULTS: Of 78 patients with a CT appendicolith, 41 appendicoliths were collected and classified based on the degree of hardness into three classes. The hardest appendicoliths (class 3) were less common (19.5%) presenting with a stone-hard outer layer and concentrically layered inner structure around a core. The layered inner structure was also observed in class 2 appendicoliths, but was absent in soft, class 1 appendicoliths. Appendicolith hardness or measures (maximum length, diameter and weight) were not associated with appendicitis severity. The spatial distribution of the main inorganic elements of calcium and phosphorus varied within most appendicoliths. CONCLUSION: This updated classification confirms categorisation of CT visible appendicoliths into three classes based on their physical and chemical characteristics. The data on clinical and aetiopathological characteristics of appendicoliths is scarce and using this systematic classification would add to this understanding.

Endometriosis of the appendix: prevalence, associated lesions, and proposal of pathogenetic hypotheses. A retrospective cohort study with prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of endometriosis of the appendix and the association with other pelvic localizations of the disease and to provide pathogenesis hypotheses. METHODS: Monocentric, observational, retrospective, cohort study. Patients undergoing laparoscopic endometriosis surgery in our tertiary referral center were consecutively enrolled. The prevalence of the different localizations of pelvic endometriosis including appendix involvement detected during surgery was collected. Included patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of appendiceal endometriosis. Women with a history of appendectomy were excluded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Four hundred-sixty patients were included for data analysis. The prevalence of appendiceal endometriosis was 2.8%. In patients affected by endometriosis of the appendix, concomitant ovarian and/or bladder endometriosis were more frequently encountered, with prevalence of 53.9% (vs 21.0% in non-appendiceal endometriosis group, p = 0.005) and 38.4% (vs 11.4%, p = 0.003), respectively. Isolated ovarian endometriosis was significantly associated to appendiceal disease compared to isolated uterosacral ligament (USL) endometriosis or USL and ovarian endometriosis combined (46.2% vs 15.4% vs 7.7%, p < 0.001). Poisson regression analysis revealed a 4.1-fold and 4.4-fold higher risk of ovarian and bladder endometriosis, respectively, and a 0.1-fold risk of concomitant USL endometriosis in patients with appendiceal involvement. CONCLUSION: Involvement of the appendix is not uncommon among patients undergoing endometriosis surgery. Significant association was detected between appendiceal, ovarian, and bladder endometriosis that may be explained by disease dissemination coming from endometrioma fluid shedding. Given the prevalence of appendiceal involvement, counseling regarding the potential need for appendectomy during endometriosis surgery should be considered.

Is appendoscope a new option for the treatment of acute appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. It is commonly caused by obstruction of the appendiceal lumen due to fecaliths, tumors, or lymphoid hyperplasia. For over a century, appendectomy has been the primary treatment for acute appendicitis. Abraham Groves performed the first open appendectomy in 1883. In 1983, Kurt Semm completed the first laparoscopic appendectomy, heralding a new era in appendectomy. However, appendectomy is associated with certain complications and a rate of negative appendectomies. Studies have suggested controversy over the impact of appendectomy on the development of inflammatory bowel disease and Parkinson's disease, but an increasing number of studies indicate a possible positive correlation between appendectomy and colorectal cancer, gallstones, and cardiovascular disease. With the recognition that the appendix is not a vestigial organ and the advancement of endoscopic te-chnology, Liu proposed the endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy. It is an effective minimally invasive alternative for treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Our team has developed an appendoscope with a disposable digital imaging system operated through the biopsy channel of a colonoscope and successfully applied it in the treatment of appendicitis. This article provides an overview of the progress in endoscopic treatment for acute appendicitis and offers a new perspective on the future direction of appendiceal disease treatment.

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix: Diagnosis, differentials, and disease progression.

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors are the most common neoplasm of the appendix. They are graded and staged using World Health Organization and American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria, respectively. They may be invisible grossly or form rounded yellow nodules, sometimes in the appendiceal tip. They show classic neuroendocrine tumor features microscopically, forming nests and cords of monotonous cells with salt-and-pepper chromatin and amphophilic cytoplasm. They are positive for neuroendocrine markers by immunohistochemistry, but their molecular characteristics are not well defined. pT-category staging relies primarily on tumor size, though higher-stage cases may involve the subserosa or mesoappendix. Few entities enter the differential diagnosis, but lesions such as goblet cell adenocarcinoma, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, and mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm may be considered. Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors may metastasize to regional lymph nodes, but farther spread is rare. The most consistently proven risk factor for such spread is tumor size, though different studies have proposed different cutoffs. Other potential risk factors include lymphovascular invasion and margin positivity. Tumors smaller than 1 cm can be treated by appendectomy, while hemicolectomy is recommended for tumors larger than 2 cm. Proper treatment for cases measuring 1-2 cm remains a matter of debate.

Simultaneous Deep Endometriosis Affecting Abdominal Wall and Vermiform Appendix / Endometriosis Simultánea de Pared Abdominal y Apéndice Vermicular

SUMMARY: Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects between 8 % and 44 % of women of reproductive age. Occasionally it presents as a sensitive mass in the abdominal wall, in relation to a surgical scar. On the other hand, in the most severe stage of endometriosis, intestinal involvement is common, and endometriotic disease of the appendix may be present even in appendices with macroscopically normal appearance. Simultaneous affectation of both locations is very rare. Nevertheless, treatment of choice is the excision of both lesions with safety margins. The aim of this manuscript was to report a case of simultaneous deep endometriosis affecting the total abdominal wall and vermiform appendix, resected in a single surgical procedure, which subsequently required abdominal wall repair with mesh plasty. Since desmoid tumors and endometriosis share similar clinical signs and unspecific imaging exams, both options should be considered in case of abdominal wall mass in female patients of childbearing age, especially if they have a history of uterine-related surgery.

La endometriosis se define como la presencia de glándulas endometriales y estroma fuera del útero. Es una afección crónica que afecta entre el 8 % y el 44 % de las mujeres en edad reproductiva. Ocasionalmente se presenta como una masa sensible en la pared abdominal, en relación con una cicatriz quirúrgica. Por otro lado, en su estadio más grave de la endometriosis, la afectación intestinal es común y puede afectar al apéndice, pudiendo estar presente incluso en apéndices de apariencia macroscópicamente normal. La afectación de ambas localizaciones simultáneamente es muy infrecuente. Sin embargo, el tratamiento de ambas lesiones es su exéresis quirúrgica con márgenes de seguridad. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue reportar un caso de endometriosis profunda simultánea que afectaba la pared abdominal total y el apéndice vermiforme, las que fueron resecadas en un solo tiempo quirúrgico, incluyendo posteriormente reparación de la pared abdominal con uso de malla. Dado que los tumores desmoides y la endometriosis comparten signos clínicos similares y exámenes de imágenes inespecíficos, se deben considerar ambas opciones en caso de masas en la pared abdominal de mujeres en edad fértil, especialmente si tienen antecedentes de cirugía relacionada con el útero.

A practical guide to serrated appendiceal lesions.

Several neoplastic and non-neoplastic proliferations of the appendix can show varying degrees of serrated epithelial architecture. Of these, diffuse mucosal hyperplasia is most common, followed in frequency by low-grade mucinous and serrated neoplasms. It is important to distinguish serrated appendiceal neoplasms from their potential mimics because these entities may be managed differently. Diffuse mucosal hyperplasia is a non-neoplastic change that usually develops in the setting of resolving appendicitis and requires no further therapy or surveillance, and serrated neoplasms confined to the mucosa are adequately treated by appendectomy alone. On the other hand, low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms may require surveillance, and those with extra-appendiceal spread differ from adenocarcinomas arising from serrated neoplasms with respect to both treatment and prognosis. Low-grade mucinous neoplasms in the peritoneum are frequently amenable to peritoneum-directed therapies alone, while adenocarcinomas derived from serrated neoplasms often spread to both regional lymph nodes and the peritoneum, potentially requiring right colectomy and systemic chemotherapy. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature regarding the clinical and pathologic features of appendiceal lesions that show epithelial serration and provide the reader with helpful tips to distinguish serrated neoplasms from their mimics.

Mucocoele of the appendix.

Introduction: Mucocoele of the appendix occurs in 0.2-0.7% of people in the world without any well-defined clinical symptoms. It occurs when there is an accumulation of mucous in the lumen of the appendix. Case Presentation: We present three cases: a 48-year-old male admitted to the emergency room with a one-day history of right iliac fossa pain. Abdominal examination was suggestive of acute appendicitis. The initial abdominal computerised tomography scan was reported as being unremarkable. At surgery, a firm tumour of the appendix was found, and a limited right hemicolectomy was done. Histopathology confirmed a mucocoele of the appendix with borderline mucinous histology.The second case is a 63-year-old man who presented with a one-year history of abdominal distension and weight loss. Previous abdominal ultrasound was suggestive of liver cirrhosis with significant ascitic fluid. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging found an appendix mucocoele with infiltration of the omentum and scalloping of the liver surface suggestive of pseudomyxoma peritonei. A percutaneous biopsy of the omental mass confirmed metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix.The third case is a 68-year-old man who, during an annual medical check-up, had an incidental finding of a cystic right iliac fossa mass on ultrasound, confirmed on abdominopelvic computerised tomography scan to be an appendix mucocele. He had laparoscopic appendicectomy. The histopathological diagnosis confirmed a mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix. Conclusion: Preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal mucocoele is difficult and commonly discovered intraoperatively. The prognosis is good for the histologically benign type, but it is poor when malignant or peritoneal lesions are present. Funding: None declared.

Appendix removal affects the subsequent cancer risk in Asian adults: A territory-wide population-based cohort study.

Human appendix is critical for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Appendicectomy has been the optimal treatment of acute appendicitis, yet the cancer incidence after appendix removal remains unclear. In this territory-wide retrospective cohort study, adult participants who underwent appendicectomy from 2000 to 2018 were retrieved from a population database (n = 43,983), while matched reference participants were retrieved as controls (n = 85,853). After appendicectomy, the overall cancer risk was significantly increased (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) = 1.124) compared to the non-appendicectomy group. Appendicectomy-treated males had higher cancer risk than males without appendicectomy (SHR = 1.197), while such difference was not observed in female participants. Significant increase in cancer risk was also observed in elder participants (age >60) with appendicectomy (SHR = 1.390). Appendicectomy was positively correlated with the risk of digestive tract and respiratory cancers including colon (SHR = 1.440), pancreas (SHR = 1.930), and trachea, bronchus, and lung (SHR = 1.394). In contrast, the risk of liver cancer was markedly decreased after appendicectomy (SHR = 0.713). In conclusion, we reported the association of appendicectomy with subsequent cancer incidence. These findings highlight the potential complication after appendix removal and the necessity of post-operative management to monitor and prevent long-term adverse events.

Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: Histomorphological spectrum in a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) are benign non-invasive epithelial proliferations of the appendix. These usually present clinically as mucoceles and these rarely exceed 2 cm in diameter. Lesions confined to the lumen are labelled as LAMN; however those in which mucin spreads outside the peritoneum are labeled as pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study was conducted over a period of three years and all cases of appendectomies were studied. Twelve cases of LAMN were identified, which is a diagnostic dilemma for the pathologists and clinicians. RESULTS: LAMN was identified based on the histopathological features. Out of the 12 cases, 9 were classified as LAMN and 3 as appendiceal neoplasm with PMP. There was villous or flat proliferation of epithelial lining, loss lymphoid aggregates, and dissecting mucin within muscularis. CONCLUSION: LAMNs are rare neoplasms of the appendix, with clinical presentation similar to acute appendicitis. Mucinous collections within the appendiceal wall should be extensively searched for mucosal changes and, if found, should prompt a careful search for pushing invasion of LAMNs. A thorough and vigilant gross examination can be of great help. Appendicectomy is the treatment of benign and grossly intact mucinous neoplasm.

Schistosomal appendicitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is one of the endemic parasitic diseases in many developing countries. Despite this, appendicitis secondary to schistosomiasis is an uncommon condition even in some endemic areas. Schistosomal appendicitis, an incidentally discovered appendicitis associated with schistosomiasis histological findings, affects young males predominantly. Timely diagnosis and treatment, including appendectomy and anti-helminthic therapy, are crucial. CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old Sudanese male patient presented with abdominal pain. Diagnosed with acute appendicitis, he underwent appendectomy, revealing appendix inflammation with Schistosoma ova in histopathology. Abdominal ultrasound detected no complications. Weakly positive Schistosoma serology was noted, but stool and urine analysis showed no infection evidence. Prescribed praziquantel, patient had 3-year post-op follow-up without complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case report underscores the significance of including schistosomiasis in the differential diagnosis of appendicitis, particularly in regions where the disease is endemic. It underscores the necessity of histopathological evaluations for accurate diagnosis, emphasizing the potential implications for clinical practice in similar settings.