Isolated Cecal Necrosis Mimicking a Colonic Mass

ACG Case Rep J. 2023 May 24;10(5):e01030. doi: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001030. eCollection 2023 May.

Abstract

Isolated cecal necrosis (ICN) is a rare form of ischemic colitis that can mimic conditions such as appendicitis, malignancy, or diverticulitis. Most cases of ICN have been identified in patients with significant comorbidities that increase risk of vascular disease. We present a case of ICN mimicking a mass lesion in an elderly patient with few comorbid conditions. Although computed tomography was concerning for colonic mass, diagnostic colonoscopy revealed ischemic colon. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy, and pathology confirmed ICN. It is important to recognize conditions ICN can mimic, understand ICN can present without acute abdomen, and consider ICN in the differential diagnosis even in relatively healthy patients without a history of vascular disease.

Keywords: abdominal mass; ischemic colitis; isolated cecal necrosis; vascular disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports