Spondylodiscitis following perforated acute appendicitis in a 14-year-old female: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency, often resulting in perforation and increased morbidity. Up to 55 % of children with complicated appendicitis may experience a complication such as infection, bowel obstruction, or unplanned hospital re-admission (Blakely et al., 2011 [23]). However, the development of infectious spondylodiscitis following appendectomy is an extremely rare complication, particularly in pediatric patients. We present the first reported case of lumbar spondylodiscitis occurring post-perforated appendicitis in a 14-year-old female, highlighting the importance of recognizing and managing uncommon complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy 14-year-old female underwent urgent appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. Postoperatively, she developed severe back pain and immobility. Imaging revealed early lumbar discitis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from the surgical site. The patient received multiple antibiotic regimens, including vancomycin, ceftazidime, and meropenem, resulting in clinical improvement. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Infectious spondylodiscitis is typically hematogenously spread or due to direct inoculation. In this case, the spread from a contiguous focus of infection without vascular insufficiency is suspected. The coexistence of appendicitis and spondylodiscitis poses diagnostic challenges, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. CONCLUSION: This unique case highlights the need for vigilance in recognizing rare complications of appendicitis, such as infectious spondylodiscitis. Early diagnosis and tailored antibiotic therapy are crucial for optimal outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with this rare complication.

Delayed presentation of intramural cecal hematoma with challenges in the treatment. A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Intramural cecal hematomas are rarely encountered clinical entities with only 14 cases reported in our literature. It is usually reported after blunt external trauma, endoscopy-related trauma, coagulopathies, and occasionally spontaneous. Most cases presented acutely after primary insult; however, a delayed presentation rarely can occur. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein we describe an 8-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with an appendicitis-like picture six weeks after a history of falling. Intraoperatively, the patient was found to have a normal appendix. However, a large intramural cecal hematoma contains black blood with many clots was found. The patient was treated by hematoma evacuation with preservation of the cecum and colon and he was discharged with uneventful recovery. During two years follow up there was no history of complications or recurrence. DISCUSSION: Intramural cecal hematoma could be presented with various symptoms that range from mild abdominal pain to severe abdominal pain with vomiting, intestinal obstruction, bowel perforation, and hemoperitoneum. Diagnosis is challenging, and CT scan is the key for diagnosis. Although Conservative therapy is the first-line treatment; however, surgery still has a role in selected cases. CONCLUSION: The authors report the first case of cecal hematomas with a delayed presentation. The optimal treatment should be individualized according to different etiologies, the patient's stability, and the presence of complications.

Appendicitis-Like Picture Induced by Foreign Body in a 2-Year-Old Boy.

Background and Aim. Appendicitis is unusual in toddlers and foreign body- (FB-) induced appendicitis is rare. We present a FB-induced appendicitis in a toddler with no suggestive history of FB ingestion. Case Presentation. A 2-year-old healthy boy presented to the emergency department with irritability for 3 days duration associated with fever of 39°C, nausea, anorexia, and vomiting. There was no history of foreign body ingestion. The abdomen was distended and diffusely tender. An abdominal ultrasound (US) was suggestive of perforated appendicitis with appendicular mass formation. An abdominal X-ray showed a pin-like foreign body in the abdomen. An emergent appendectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, a sealed small cecal perforation was noticed. A 5 cm pin-like metallic foreign body was found to obstruct the appendicular lumen. The appendix was grossly normal without inflammatory changes. Conclusion. FB-induced perforations or appendicitis albeit in patients with no history of FB ingestion or infants and toddlers need a high clinical suspicion to prevent the delay in diagnosis and the subsequent complications.