No abstract

This study represents the largest series assessing the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section analysis in AIFRS. Frozen section analysis is an effective tool for guiding intraoperative decision making in patients with AIFRS with a high PPV. A Low NPV underscores the importance of clinical suspicion and intraoperative decision making based on endoscopic findings when negative frozen section results are encountered. Further, frozen section analysis appears to be equally effective in detecting either Mucor or Aspergillus.

A review of cases of primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix seen at the Hines VA Hospital (1950-1987) and Loyola University Medical Center (1977-1987) revealed a total of 14 cases. All patients presented with a clinical picture suggesting acute appendicitis or a right lower quadrant mass. Malignancy was not suspected in any of the patients prior to surgery. The age group ranged from 25 to 66 years (mean, 51.8 years) with 29% of the patients under 45 years old. The presence of carcinoma should be carefully looked for in middle-aged and elderly patients presenting with acute appendicitis.