# Appendiceal diverticulum diagnosed after appendectomy: Two case reports and literature review

## TL;DR

This paper presents two cases of appendiceal diverticulum mistaken for appendicitis and highlights the importance of distinguishing the two for proper diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

The paper contributes two new case reports of appendiceal diverticulum diagnosed post-appendectomy and emphasizes its clinical significance.

## Key findings

- Appendiceal diverticulum can mimic acute appendicitis and may lead to higher perforation rates.
- Appendiceal diverticulitis may be associated with underlying neoplasms.
- The condition is rare, with an incidence between 0.004% and 2.1%.

## Abstract

Appendiceal diverticulitis is an uncommon pathology that imitates acute appendicitis and is usually treated by appendicectomy.

We present two cases: a 50-year-old female patient and a 35-year-old male patient, both of whom presented with signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis and were managed accordingly. Final pathological examination confirmed the presence of an appendiceal diverticulum.

Diverticulitis of the appendix is four times more likely to lead to perforation when compared to appendicitis and may be associated with underlying neoplasm. Therefore, it is extremely important to distinguish diverticulitis of the appendix from appendicitis.

Clinicians should always consider appendiceal diverticulitis when evaluating patients with right-sided, lower quadrant abdominal pain.

•Diverticulosis of the appendix is a very rare pathology with an incidence reported to be between 0.004% and 2.1%.•Discussion: Diverticulitis of the appendix is four times more likely to lead to perforation when compared to appendicitis and may be a sign of underlying neoplasm.•Clinicians should always keep appendiceal diverticulitis in mind when treating patients with right-sided, lower quadrant abdominal pain.

Diverticulosis of the appendix is a very rare pathology with an incidence reported to be between 0.004% and 2.1%.

Discussion: Diverticulitis of the appendix is four times more likely to lead to perforation when compared to appendicitis and may be a sign of underlying neoplasm.

Clinicians should always keep appendiceal diverticulitis in mind when treating patients with right-sided, lower quadrant abdominal pain.