Amyand's hernia in a child with permanent neonatal diabetes due to pancreatic agenesis

Abstract

Acute or perforated appendicitis within inguinal hernia is rarely encountered and it is known as Amyand's hernia. We report on the first case occurring in a 4-year-old boy affected by permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus due to pancreatic agenesis, an extremely rare condition. The initial suspicion of inguinal hernia was confirmed by ultrasound examination of the right inguinal region which revealed omental layers inside a swollen inguinal canal; this finding and the clinical presentation allowed a prompt and appropriate surgical management. The careful evaluation of this patient and early recognition of this unique presentation of appendicitis allowed trans-hernial appendectomy and immediate herniorrhaphy. Ultrasonography played a pivotal role to reach the correct diagnosis and to start a prompt treatment.

Keywords: Amyand's hernia; neonatal diabetes; pancreas agenesis; ultrasonography.

Figure 1

US longitudinal section of the right inguinal canal. A. The lumen of the canal is occupied by omental sheets (a) and peritoneal fluid (b). B. The appendix (arrowheads) is close to omental structure (c) with its typical layered intestinal appearance and its blind end.