[Contribution of imaging in the diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis].

INTRODUCTION: Primary epiploic appendagitis is known to be a rare finding among causes of acute abdomen. Depending on location, it may mimic several disorders such as colonic diverticulitis and acute appendicitis. Diagnosis is sometimes performed during surgery.

METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study. The authors report the contribution of imaging for the diagnosis of appendagitis in seven patients investigated between July 2010 and April 2013 by abdominal and pelvic ultrasound or computed tomography (CT).

RESULTS: CT scan confirmed the diagnosis in six patients avoiding unnecessary surgery and hospitalization. The seventh patient was a pregnant woman in whom the diagnosis of appendagitis was made during surgery for appendicitis.

CONCLUSION: Appendagitis is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain. Outcome is favorable with medical treatment only. Abdominal ultrasound and CT are helpful diagnostic tests avoiding useless surgical procedure.