Non-inflamed appendix with LAMN causing closed-loop small bowel obstruction

Abstract

Introduction: Low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are generally encountered incidentally in appendicectomies for suspected appendicitis. This case is a documentation of a rare occurrence of LAMN presenting with small bowel obstruction. Case Report: An 83-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with a three day history of nausea, vomiting, and obstipation and profoundly dehydrated. Computed tomography revealed a high grade small bowel obstruction with 2 transition points in the right iliac fossa, concerning for closed loop obstruction, necessitating an urgent laparotomy. Conclusion: While acute appendicitis is a common cause of emergency abdominal pathology, when coupled with small bowel obstruction, a neoplastic cause should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis.