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Isolated appendiceal typhlitis masquerading as perforated appendicitis in the setting of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

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Abstract

Abdominal pain is common during chemotherapy for childhood leukemia. Clinically differentiating typhlitis from appendicitis can be difficult. We present an 8-year-old boy with abdominal pain in the setting of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and neutropenia. Following appendectomy for presumed appendicitis, pathology revealed appendiceal typhlitis. Diagnostic and treatment considerations are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of Washington, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA

    Jarod P. McAteer, Sabrina E. Sanchez & John H. T. Waldhausen

  2. Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA

    Joe C. Rutledge

Authors
  1. Jarod P. McAteer
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  2. Sabrina E. Sanchez
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  3. Joe C. Rutledge
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  4. John H. T. Waldhausen
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Correspondence to Jarod P. McAteer.

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McAteer, J.P., Sanchez, S.E., Rutledge, J.C. et al. Isolated appendiceal typhlitis masquerading as perforated appendicitis in the setting of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Surg Int 30, 561–564 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-014-3473-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-014-3473-2

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