Perihepatic abscess caused by dropped appendicoliths following laparoscopic appendectomy: sonographic findings

Abstract

We report the case of a 6-year-old girl presenting with acute appendicitis complicated by perforated appendix, followed by perihepatic abscess associated with ectopic appendicoliths. CT findings were initially suspicious for an intrahepatic abscess with internal calcifications. However, on sonography the abscess appeared to be in a perihepatic location. Perihepatic abscess associated with a dropped or retained appendicolith has been rarely reported. Awareness of the possibility of a perihepatic abscess as a complication of laparoscopic appendectomy and use of sonography should result in optimal management of this rare complication.