Acute eosinophilic appendicitis: a radiologic-pathologic correlation

Abstract

Inflammation of the appendix is one of the most common conditions requiring emergent surgical intervention. Computed tomography commonly demonstrates a dilated appendix with adjacent inflammation. Traditionally, luminal obstruction of the appendix has been thought to be the primary etiology of appendicitis. However, current evidence suggests that etiology of appendicitis is multifactorial and can involve a number of different pathogenic pathways. Here we present a case of acute eosinophilic appendicitis with radiologic-pathologic correlation from a hypersensitivity reaction pathway. Acute eosinophilic appendicitis may represent an early precursor to conventional acute suppurative (phlegmonous) appendicitis, or a variant form of acute appendicitis.

Keywords: Abdominal pain; Allergy; Appendicitis; Computed tomography; Eosinophilia.