Acute appendicitis in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
Thomas, J.O.
Central African Journal of Medicine 44(7): 176-178
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-9176 PMID: 10028192 Document Number: 492059
To compare the clinical diagnosis with the histopathological diagnosis; to highlight associated histological lesions and; to determine whether these provide additional useful information for management. Case series. Pathology Department of the King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia. 370 appendicectomy specimen reviewed within a 12 month period. Diagnostic accuracy of a clinical diagnosis of acute or chronic appendicitis. Acute appendicitis was found to be most common between ages 10 to 29 years (74.0%). The diagnostic accuracy was 81%. A higher rate of appendices without histological sign of inflammation was found in females. Incidental appendicectomy was commonly associated with cholecystectomy. Unsuspected but treatable parasitic and protozoal infections were detected in 3% of appendices. Routine examination of all appendicectomy specimens cannot be overemphasized, as unsuspected but treatable parasitic on protozoal infections may be detected.