Episodic Abdominal Pain-An Unexpected Cause for a Common Clinical Problem

J Gen Intern Med. 2024 Jul;39(9):1751-1755. doi: 10.1007/s11606-024-08709-7. Epub 2024 Mar 19.

Abstract

A previously healthy 55-year-old male patient presented repeatedly to the emergency department with severe episodic periumbilical abdominal pain. After an extensive diagnostic work-up and subsequent clinical deterioration, appendiceal diverticulitis was diagnosed. We identified a correlation of white blood cell counts and possibly faecal calprotectin with the clinical presentation. We suggest that appendiceal diverticulitis should be considered in middle-aged patients with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain that correlate with laboratory markers of inflammation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain* / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diverticulitis / complications
  • Diverticulitis / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged