Unusual sign of acute retrocaecal appendicitis. a case report

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is a common abdominal surgical emergency, typically characterised by classical signs and symptoms such as right lower quadrant abdominal pain, and tenderness, along with laboratory findings of leucocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers. However, this condition can present with atypical signs, creating diagnostic challenges for clinicians. We report an unusual case of acute appendicitis in a 53-year-old male, who exhibited the incidental finding of Grey Turner's sign on the right flank. Grey Turner's sign in the context of acute appendicitis initially raised suspicion of other conditions causing retroperitoneal haemorrhage, such as acute pancreatitis, as the primary differential diagnosis. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when faced with atypical clinical signs.

Keywords: Acute abdomen- retrocaecal appendicitis – Grey turner sign.