Colitis ulcerosa und Adenokarzinom der Appendix vermiformis: Kausaler Zusammenhang?

Abstract

We report the case of a 57-year-old patient initially seen with stool irregularities and malignant ascites. Through further examinations we diagnosed a long standing untreated ulcerative colitis with endoscopic signs of a massive chronic inflammation of the entire colon. The origin of the malignant cells in the ascites remained unknown despite the exhaustion of all diagnostic means available. As an ultima ratio we performed a colectomy and an advanced adenocarcinoma of the appendix was found. The patient's condition deteriorated very fast so that chemotherapy wasn't an option. Following his wishes he received palliative care in his home environment. Patients with an inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. This is a well-known fact. But an adenocarcinoma of the appendix is still a rarity. Here we illuminate the possible link between the appendix and ulcerative colitis.