A sharp plant stem causing terminal ileal perforation with clinical presentation resembling acute appendicitis: a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Ingestion of plant material is an unusual cause of small-bowel perforation and can have a clinical appearance similar to acute appendicitis.

Case description

A 40-year-old Thai man presented with a 1-day history of right lower quadrant pain and low-grade fever. Laboratory testing showed leukocytosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a mildly dilated appendix, 7 mm, without periappendiceal fat stranding, free air, abscess, or visible foreign body. Because localized peritonism persisted despite equivocal imaging, exploratory laparotomy via a Lanz incision was undertaken. A 2.5-cm, needle-like wooden fragment was palpated within the terminal ileum, causing a localized perforation; it was subsequently identified as the lateral stem of Gnetu

SUBMITTER: Yincharoen P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12698559 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature