Acute Appendicitis in a Double Appendix: A Case Report

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common non-traumatic emergency surgical pathologies, and appendix duplication is a congenital defect that is challenging to diagnose. It is often discovered incidentally during laparoscopy or laparotomy. If a double appendix or other associated anomalies are not detected, complications can be severe and potentially fatal. There are few cases of appendicular duplication. We report the incidental discovery of a double appendix in a 36-year-old man who came to the emergency department complaining of sharp right iliac fossa pain for three days and other features of appendicitis. During surgery, it was surprisingly discovered that he had two appendices. Both were inflamed, and an appendectomy was done for both of them. This case emphasizes the significance of this condition as a misdiagnosis might result in serious, potentially fatal consequences for the patient in addition to other health and legal issues.