Vanek's tumour mimicking an acute appendicitis

Introduction

Vanek''s tumour or Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp (IFP) are rare, benign localised lesions originating from the sub-mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract.¹ They have been widely reported as occurring within the stomach, Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum, more rarely (<1%) in the caecum or appendix.

Presentation of case

We present a case of a 28-year-old lady who presented with a 2-day history of right iliac fossa pain, nausea and low-grade fever. Subsequent, ultrasonography (USS) of the abdomen demonstrated an inflamed tubular structure originating from caecum with fluid in the pelvis mimicking an acute appendicitis. Next to normal appendix an inflammatory polypoid mass was identified and on histological examination confirmed to be an IFP (Vanek''s tumour).

Discussion

Right Iliac Fossa (RIF) pain with suspected appendicitis is one of the most common presentations in any acute surgical unit. In young women of childbearing age, the differential diagnosis can be varied and vast. The surgical management of IFP (Vanek''s tumour) in such cases ranges from limited resection and caecectomy to limited right hemicolectomy.

Conclusion

To date, the exact histiogenesis of these tumours remains unclear and requires a high level of intra-operative suspicion. According to our search such presentation is not reported.