Primary epiploic appendagitis: A retrospective analysis of clinical and tomographic findings in 14 patients

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical features and imaging findings of 14 patients diagnosed with primary epiploic appendagitis on computed tomography (CT). Methods: Between January 2019 and August 2022, the hospital records of 14 patients were retrospectively reviewed. We recorded patients' age, gender, fever presence, blood leukocyte count (WBC), C-reactive Protein (CRP) level, localization of abdominal pain, the presence of nausea or vomiting, the involved part of the colon on CT, whether they received treatment or not, and whether they underwent surgery. Results: This study included 14 patients, 8 male and 6 female. Their ages ranged from 27 to 63 years. All patients presented with acute abdominal pain in most cases, with no elevation in body temperature or significant increase in inflammation markers. CT scan images showed a fat oval lesion corresponding to the inflamed Appendix epiploica, with a peripheral hyper-attenuated frame and a central "dot" in some cases referring to the thrombosed vessel. The patients were successfully treated with conservative methods. Conclusions: Epiploic appendagitis can mimic surgical diseases such as appendicitis and diverticulitis due to its non-specific clinical presentation. CT scan is essential in diagnosing this disease, which can be managed with more conservative treatment methods.