¿Puede ser una apendicitis aguda la primera manifestación de endometriosis?

Aim

To determine the relationship between endometriotic involvement of the appendix and the development of acute appendicitis.

Patients and methods

We report a series of 8 patients with appendiceal endometriosis diagnosed after appendicectomy from June 2009 to March 2014.

Results

The mean age was 40.6 years. Six patients were of reproductive age. Endometriotic appendiceal involvement alone was found in 5 patients (62.5%) and multiorgan involvement, mainly affecting the ovary, in 3 patients (37.5%). Clinical presentation was acute appendicitis in 7 patients (87.5%). Endometriotic implants involved the serous layer in 6 patients, the muscle layer in one patient, and periappendiceal fat in another patient.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of appendiceal endometriosis in women with acute appendicitis can only be performed after specimen study, although it may be suspected in the clinical context. Laparoscopy allows pelvic and abdominal cavity examination, appendectomy, and the treatment of other lesions.