An unusually long appendix in a child: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency, but its diagnosis in children can be a challenge to the treating surgeon. CASE PRESENTATION: A 10 years-old girl was admitted to the paediatrics surgical ward with a right sided abdominal pain. The initial clinical presentation was vague. She underwent an appendicectomy which revealed a very long appendix. CONCLUSION: About half of the adult patients with appendicitis present with the known classical signs and symptoms, but the clinical scenario might be completely different in children. This case is educational as it highlights the importance of the atypical presentations of an unusually long appendix in children.