Primary Torsion of Greater Omentum in Children: Report of Two Cases

ABSTRACT

Two cases of primary torsion of the greater omentum were described. The first patient was a 5-year-old boy who was admitted to the hospital because of severe abdominal pain for 1 day. The The clinical features were similar to perforated acute appendicitis. Laparotomy revealed a normal appendix and the greater omentum twisted around its pedicle. The second patient was a 7-year-old girl admitted to the hospital because of abdominal pain in right lower quadrant for 2 days. The clinical features were that of acute appendicitis. Laparotomy revealed a normal appendix and primary torsion of greater omentum around its pedicle. In both cases, resection of twisted omentum and incidental appendectomy were done. The microscopic findings in two cases consisted of congestion and vascular hemorrhage. Both patients recovered uneventfully. Torsion of the greater omentum, therefore, may be added to the entities to consider in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis.