Unusual cause of appendicitis. A case report of acute appendicitis caused by needle ingestion

INTRODUCTION: Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory process. The purpose of this report is to describe an unusual case of acute appendicitis in adult caused by accidental ingestion of a needle, and treated with appendectomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 64 year-old white woman, seamstress, was admitted with abdominal pain complaints. Plain radiograph and CT scan showed metal density suggesting a foreign body in the lower right abdomen. A diagnostic laparoscopic procedure identified a perforated appendicitis due to a needle perforation. Laparoscopic appendicectomy and foreign body removal were performed. DISCUSSION: Acute appendicitis due foreign body ingestion is extremely rare. Laparoscopy was the chosen access once it was more suitable for inventory of the gastrointestinal tract and help avoiding harm of the medical team during hand maneuvers of open access surgery. CONCLUSION: Foreign body ingestion should be remembered as an unusual differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis.