A focal submucosal lipomatosis: An extremely rare cause of appendicitis

Abstract

Gastrointestinal lipomatosis is less frequent condition and it differs from lipoma due to the lack of capsule. The most common location of gastrointestinal lipomatosis is colon, followed by the ileum and jejunum. Isolated lipomatosis of the appendix is rare. It can be diffuse, asymmetric, or focal. In the localized form, only few patients present with symptoms. Obstruction of the lumen of the appendix is thought to be the primary pathology of appendicitis. Various pathologies such as hard fecal mass, stones, lymphoid hyperplasia, and neoplasia have been implicated. Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen due to isolated submucosal lipomatosis of the appendix is extremely rare. It can be one of the causes of appendicitis. Although radiological modalities such as ultrasonography, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging are used for diagnostic workups, definitive diagnosis requires histopathological examination.