Idiopathic encapsulating peritonitis: A case report

Introduction

and importance: Encapsulating peritonitis is a chronic and rare condition of the peritoneum. Most often secondary, it can occur idiopathically without any predictive factor. The diagnosis is often delayed and the management is not codified. The authors report a case of encapsulating peritonitis in a patient in a hospital in Togo. Their case highlights the diagnostic difficulties that can arise with encapsulated peritonitis.

Case presentation

a 46-year-old female patient with a history of transient abdominal pain was admitted to an emergency with acute intestinal obstruction. A laparotomy was indicated. Intraoperatively, it was discovered that there was an agglutination of coats covered by a thin membrane. The surgical procedure consisted of adhesiolysis with the release of the loops. The fibrous nature of the membrane on histology and the negativity of the etiological examinations allowed the diagnosis to be retained.

Clinical discussion

This is the result of a chronic attack on the peritoneum. In the majority of cases, it is said to be secondary because it occurs in a known evocative context. However, idiopathic cases have been reported. The disease has an insidious course making its diagnosis difficult. The disease is associated with a high mortality rate even under treatment, which reflects its severity. There is no consensus on the therapeutic management of this disease.

Conclusion

Encapsulating peritonitis is a rare and serious disease with a difficult diagnosis and complex management. There is no consensus on the therapeutic management of this disease.