The Houdini effect--an unusual case of blunt abdominal trauma resulting in perforative appendicitis
O'Kelly, F.; Lim, K.T.; Hayes, B.; Shields, W.; Ravi, N.; Reynolds, J.V.
Irish Medical Journal 105(3): 86-87
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0332-3102 PMID: 22558817 Document Number: 660957
We present a unique case of perforative appendicitis that occurred in an adult following blunt abdominal trauma. This case represents the first such reported case from Ireland. It also represents a modern practical example of Laplace's theory of the effect of increased pressure on colonic wall tension leading to localized perforation, and serves to highlight not only the importance in preoperative imaging for blunt abdominal trauma, but also the importance of considering appendiceal perforation.