Acute Appendicular Torsion

By López Sala PL, García-Falces GU, Aldasoro NA, Gutiérrez CS

CASE SUMMARY

A 29-year-old was admitted to the emergency department with an acute right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain. A physical examination demonstrated a blood pressure of 109/68, heart rate of 109,and fever (37.5 ˚ C). The patient was tender to palpation in the RLQ with signs of peritoneal irritation. The examination was suggestive of acute appendicitis.

IMAGING FINDINGS

Ultrasound (Figure 1) showed a tubular image with concentric layered structure and a peripheral hyperechogenicity, with alteration of periappendicular fat and periappendicular free fluid. Contrast-enhanced CT shows the same tubular structure, with hypodense content (25 HU) and peripheral calcifications, as well as free liquid (Figure 2), suggestive of a dilated appendix with an associated appendicular mucocele. Cranial to the mucocele another tubular structure with a lower caliber was observed, which appeared to be the proximal portion of the appendix, twisted on its axis (Figure 2). In addition, a hypodense and irregular area connecting the two structures is observed, suggestive of the congestive and twisted mesoappendix (Figure 2).

An emergency open surgical intervention revealed appendicular dilation in the distal two-thirds, with ischemic signs, twisted three times (Figure 3). Macroscopic pathological study showed a congestive mesoppendix and an appendix of 9 × 2.5 cm (longitudinal x transverse). A normal-appearing appendicular portion 3 × 1 cm (longitudinal x transverse) was attached to the mesoappendix. Microscopic study revealed mucous material and abundant calcifications, with hemorrhagic necrosis of the wall. The sediments showed only a mucous background with macrophages, lymphocytes. and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

DIAGNOSIS

Appendicular torsion secondary to a simple mucocele

DISCUSSION

Acute appendicitis is the most frequent surgical emergency. There are appendicular pathologies that can mimic acute appendicitis, causing the same typical RLQ pain, including appendicular torsion,1 which is a rare pathology, first described in 1918.2 Despite the condition’s rarity there are some published cases.2-8

Torsion may be primary or secondary to other abnormalities. Several factors contribute to primary torsion: a long appendix, a “fan-shaped” mesoappendix, and/or a narrow base.9 Secondary torsion is rarer and includes a broad spectrum of anomalies: appendicolith, lipoma, simple mucocele, mucinous cystadenoma, carcinoid tumor, and adhesions. To date, 2 cases of appendicolith,2 2 lipomas, 8 mucoceles,6 8 mucinous cystadenomas,3-5,7,8 1 carcinoid and 1 adhesion have been published

Theoretically, these anomalies would cause congestion of the appendix, leading to a greater tendency to twist.

The clinical presentation is nonspecific. Symptoms are similar to those of acute appendicitis, with pain in the RLQ, nausea, and vomiting.1

The diagnostic test of choice for acute abdominal pain in the RLQ is abdominal ultrasound. Caspi et al10 described the appendicular mucocele as a layered cystic mass, visualized as a heterogeneous lesion with hyperechogenic layers, naming it “onion skin sign.” In the case of appendicular torsion, Hamada et al5 described a target-like appearance at the base of the appendix, similar to that shown in testicular and ovarian torsions and called it the “swirl sign.”

Findings at CT include appendicular dilatation with liquid density contents and peripheral calcifications. Periappendicular inflammatory changes are also associated.6 Hebert et al4 described a spiral of mesenteric fat and vessels around the appendicular axis. Torsion loops can be identified in some cases.6

Preoperative diagnosis is extremely difficult.4 Among the 22 published cases of secondary appendicular torsion, torsion was suggested as a possible preoperative diagnosis in just three (13%). 4, 5, 7 In our case the torsion was identified retrospectively on the CT after surgery.

The final diagnosis of appendicular torsion is made at surgery, where torsion loops are appreciated. Laparoscopic or open surgery may be performed. Radiological studies can help the surgeon select the most appropriate surgical approach.4

CONCLUSION

Acute appendicular torsion is a rare pathology that can be mistaken for an acute appendicitis because of the similarity of their clinical pictures. Therefore, the condition is diagnosed most often at surgery. However, raising the possibility of this diagnosis at imaging may help aid in selecting the most appropriate surgical approach.

REFERENCES

  1. Singal R, Zamam M, Sharma BP. Unusual Entities of Appendix Mimicking Appendicitis Clinically - Emphasis on Diagnosis and Treatment. Maedica (Buchar). 2017; 12(1):23–29.
  2. Payne JE. A case of torsion of the appendix. Br J Surg. 1918; 6: 327.
  3. Kitagawa M, Kotani T, Yamano T et al. Secondary torsion of vermiform appendix with mucinous cystadenoma. Case Rep Gastroenterol. 2007; 1(1):32–37.
  4. Hebert JJ, Pickhardt PJ. MDCT diagnosis of an appendiceal mucocele with acute torsion. Am J Roentgenol. 2007;189(1):W4–6.
  5. Hamada T, Kosaka K, Shigeoka N et al. Torsion of the appendix secondary to appendiceal mucocele: Gray scale and contrast-enhanced sonographic findings. J Ultrasound Med. 2007; 26(1):111–115.
  6. Lee CH, Lee MR, Kim JC, et al. Torsion of a mucocele of the vermiform appendix: A case report and review of the literature. J Korean Surg Soc. 2011; 81(Suppl.1): S47–50.
  7. Stark C, Jousi M, Enholm B. Preoperative assessment and treatment of appendiceal mucocele complicated by acute torsion: a case report. BMC Res Notes. 2014; 7:1.
  8. Wan Hassan WA, Tay YK, Ghadiri M. Torsion of the Vermiform Appendix: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Am J Case Rep. 2018; 19:365–368.
  9. Gopal K, Kumar S, Grewal H. Torsion of the vermiform appendix. J Pediatr Surg. 2005; 40:446–447.
  10. Caspi B, Cassif E, Auslender R, et al. The onion skin sing. A specific sonographic marker of appendiceal mucocele. Ultrasound Med. 2004; 23:117–121
López Sala PL, García-Falces GU, Aldasoro NA, Gutiérrez CS. (Nov 06, 2020). Acute Appendicular Torsion. Appl Radiol. 2020; 49(6):49-51 .

Affiliation: Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. Disclosures: None.

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