# Coexistence of acute appendicitis and cecal inflammatory pseudotumor in a young male: Rare collision at the cecum – A case study

## TL;DR

A 24-year-old man had both acute appendicitis and a rare cecal inflammatory pseudotumor, highlighting the need for thorough surgical and diagnostic evaluation.

## Contribution

This case study reports the rare coexistence of acute appendicitis and a cecal inflammatory pseudotumor in a young male.

## Key findings

- A 24-year-old male presented with acute appendicitis and a cecal inflammatory pseudotumor confirmed via histopathology.
- The case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges of distinguishing rare benign lesions from malignancies in acute abdominal pain.
- Thorough surgical exploration and histopathological evaluation are critical for accurate diagnosis in such atypical presentations.

## Abstract

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPTs) of the cecum are rare benign lesions that can pose significant diagnostic challenges due to their ability to mimic malignancy. The occurrence of a cecal IPT in conjunction with acute appendicitis is an exceedingly uncommon phenomenon, with scant documentation in existing literature. Understanding these conditions is crucial for timely and accurate diagnosis.

We present a case involving a 24-year-old male who exhibited classic symptoms of acute appendicitis. During intraoperative exploration, an inflamed appendix was found alongside a 4x4x3 cm inflammatory mass located on the cecum. The patient underwent a successful resection of the mass and appendectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnoses of both acute appendicitis and an inflammatory pseudotumor of the cecum.

This case underscores the necessity of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when patients present with acute abdominal pain. The rare coexistence of acute appendicitis and a cecal IPT highlights the importance of thorough surgical exploration and histopathological evaluation to achieve an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. The findings contribute to the limited literature on this subject and emphasize the potential for atypical presentations in common surgical emergencies.

In conclusion, this case illustrates the importance of vigilance in diagnosing abdominal conditions that may present similarly. The coexistence of acute appendicitis and a cecal IPT serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in surgical diagnosis, advocating for comprehensive evaluation strategies.

•Rare Co-occurrence: Reports an extremely rare co-occurrence of acute appendicitis and an inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the cecum in a young male.•Diagnostic Challenges: Highlights the difficulties encountered in differentiating between common and rare pathologies presenting with similar symptoms of acute abdominal pain.•Importance of Surgical Exploration: Emphasizes the importance of thorough intraoperative exploration in identifying unexpected pathologies, such as cecal IPTs.•Histopathological Role: Underscores the critical role of histopathological analysis in accurate diagnosis and differentiation of benign from malignant lesions.•Broader Differentials in Acute Abdominal Pain: Demonstrates the need to consider broader differentials in acute abdominal pain and avoid premature diagnostic closure.

Rare Co-occurrence: Reports an extremely rare co-occurrence of acute appendicitis and an inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the cecum in a young male.

Diagnostic Challenges: Highlights the difficulties encountered in differentiating between common and rare pathologies presenting with similar symptoms of acute abdominal pain.

Importance of Surgical Exploration: Emphasizes the importance of thorough intraoperative exploration in identifying unexpected pathologies, such as cecal IPTs.

Histopathological Role: Underscores the critical role of histopathological analysis in accurate diagnosis and differentiation of benign from malignant lesions.

Broader Differentials in Acute Abdominal Pain: Demonstrates the need to consider broader differentials in acute abdominal pain and avoid premature diagnostic closure.