What are appendices Epiploicae?

Appendices epiploicae are adipose structures protruding from the serosal surface of the colon. They can be seen with abdominal radiography and cross-sectional imaging if the colonic wall is surrounded by intraperitoneal contrast material, ascites, or blood.

How long does it take for epiploic appendagitis to go away?

The inflammation is what creates such an intense and painful feeling in your abdomen. But even if the inflammation is not treated, it may go away. It has been found that epiploic appendagitis will go away on its own within two weeks if untreated.

Can epiploic appendagitis cause appendicitis?

Epiploic appendagitis is a rare cause of acute lower abdominal pain. It most commonly results from torsion and inflammation of the epiploic appendages, and its clinical features mimic acute diverticulitis or acute appendicitis resulting in being often misdiagnosed as diverticulitis or appendicitis.

Where are the appendices Epiploicae seen?

The epiploic appendices (or appendices epiploicae, or epiploic appendages, or appendix epiploica, or omental appendices) are small pouches of the peritoneum filled with fat and situated along the colon, but are absent in the rectum.

Does everyone have omental appendices?

Most people have about 50–100 epiploic appendices. Epiploic appendagitis occurs if something cuts off the blood supply to these pouches. The lack of blood flow causes inflammation of the fatty tissue, resulting in severe lower abdominal pain.

Is epiploic appendagitis life threatening?

Individuals with epiploic appendagitis have a relatively positive outlook. Although they may experience intense abdominal pain, this condition is self-limiting and does not usually cause complications.

Is an appendix an appendage?

Your appendix is a small, pouch-like sac of tissue at the beginning of your large intestine. It can be found on the right side of your body in an area in your lower-right abdomen called the “cecum.” The full name of your appendix is “vermiform appendix,” which means “worm-like appendage.”

Can epiploic appendagitis come back?

Epiploic appendagitis (EA) is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain that is usually benign and self-limiting and can be treated conservatively with analgesics and antiinflammatory medications (1–3). Recurrence of EA is rare, and documented cases describe abdominal pain recurring at the same location (3–5).

What are the treatment options for epiploic appendagitis?

Treatment and prognosis. Epiploic appendagitis is a self limiting disease, and thus correct identification on CT prevents unnecessary surgery 2. Although it sometimes mimics acute abdominal diseases for which surgery is required, treatment options for epiploic appendagitis often do not include surgery; it usually responds well to NSAIDs.

What are the symptoms of acute epiploic appendicitis?

The pain is sharp and stabbing and may be associated with nausea or vomiting. Fever is usually absent. The symptoms from epiploic appendagitis often mimic acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, or cholecystitis. Initial lab studies are usually normal.

How is epiploic appendagitis similar to diverticulitis?

It should be noted here that the symptoms of Epiploic Appendagitis often mimic the symptoms of acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, and cholecystitis so symptoms related to these conditions may also be present. How Is Epiploic Appendagitis Diagnosed?

Can a vermiform appendix become an epiploic appendage?

Chronically, an infarcted epiploic appendage may calcify and may detach to form an intraperitoneal loose body (peritoneal ‘mice’). It may rarely involve the vermiform appendix epiploic appendages as so-called “epiploic appendagitis of the vermiform appendix” 8, mimicking appendicitis both clinically and potentially on CT.