Falciform Ligament Abscess Causing Acute Abdomen: Unveiling the Enigma with Review of Literature.

Abstract

Introduction: Falciform ligament abscess (FLA) is a rare type of intra-abdominal abscess which has been sporadically reported. Diagnosis of FLA can be challenging without typical image findings of an abscess. This study publishes the varied clinical presentations, radiological findings, and management of FLA.

Materials and methods: All patients who were diagnosed and operated for FLA between May 2022 and May 2024 are included in the study. Relevant investigations were done preoperatively.

Results: A total of six patients were operated for FLA. The mean age of presentation was 30 days. There were no major perioperative complications in five patients. One patient had pyopericardium which required pericardiocentesis and catheter drainage preoperatively.

Conclusion: FLA should be considered in children, especially in infants with vague abdominal symptoms and failure to respond to conservative management. Due to its obscure location, it often causes delay in diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Hence, early consideration of this pathology is crucial for timely diagnosis, proper surgical treatment, and decreased morbidity and mortality.