Introduction: Diverticulitis of the appendix is a rare clinical finding which is often confused with acute or chronic appendicitis. It is rarely diagnosed pre-operatively and is usually identified during or after appendectomy. It has a higher risk for perforation in comparison with appendicitis and may be associated with an underlying malignancy. Case report:A 40 yr old male presented to the casualty with complaints of pain abdomen since 1 day, associated with 3 episodes of vomiting with localised tenderness and guarding in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. On ultrasonography, a non-compressible tubular blind structure with minimal free fluid was identified, indicating acute appendicitis and the patient was prepared for an open appendectomy. Intraoperatively, appendix was found to be inflammed with an outpouching noted at its antimesenteric border, 1cm distal to the base. The tip of this outpouching was perforated (Fig 1 and 2). An appendectomy was performed and specimen sent for histopathological examination. On HPE, the outpouching was diagnosed as a true diverticulum of the appendix. The diverticulum as well as the appendix was found to be inflamed. Conclusion:This case report highlights the symptomatology, atypical patient demographics that should raise the suspicion of Diverticulum of appendix. Although the definitive treatment in both conditions is same, diverticulum of appendix is associated with unique risks and complications. The importance of a thorough radiological assessment would prove valuable in differentiating between the two entities.
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