Inflammatory myo-fibroblastic tumor of appendix: A rare clinical entity

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory myo-fibroblastic tumor of appendix is one of the rarest clinical findings and less has been described in the literatures. So, we aimed to present the clinical case that we encountered at our institute. PRESENTATION OF A CASE: A 29-year-old lady presented with history of pain at the periumbilical area for one day which shifted to right iliac fossa. Clinical examination revealed tenderness and rebound at right iliac fossa with increased total leucocyte count and ultrasonography abdomen showed swollen appendix. Intraoperatively, a lump around 4 × 3 cm was evident at the tip of appendix with cut section revealing pus along with fecalith. Appendectomy was done with no spillage of the content within the peritoneal cavity. Histopathology revealed inflammatory myo-fibroblastic tumor of appendix. Patient is on regular follow up. DISCUSSION: Inflammatory myo-fibroblastic tumor of appendix is one of the rarest clinical findings that mimics malignancy. Presentation could be that of acute appendicitis and in most instances, diagnosis is made intraoperatively. Surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment with regular follow up of the patient for chances of recurrences. Histologically, edematous stroma consisting of inflammatory infiltrates composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils and focal formation of lymphoid follicles along with the proliferation of scattered spindle to ovoid cells with proliferating blood vessels with unremarkable over lying epithelium is evident. Myo-fibroblastic origin can be confirmed by immunostaining with smooth muscle specific vimentin and actin. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory myo-fibroblastic tumor of appendix can present with features of acute appendicitis and may mimic malignancy. Appendectomy with regular follow up is mandated if such clinical cases are encountered.