Primary epiploic appendagitis and fructose malabsorption

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Dec;68(12):1359-61. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.109. Epub 2014 Jun 18.

Abstract

Primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is a rare cause of abdominal acute or subacute complaints. Diagnosis of PEA is made when computed tomography (CT) reveals a characteristic lesion. We report on contrast-enhanced CT images of a patient with PEA and regression of inflammation and the reduction in size of the inflamed appendage over the time period of 4 months. Patients with PEA usually recover without medication or surgical treatment within a few weeks. However, due to continuing bloating and irregular bowel movements we investigated carbohydrate malabsorption and diagnosed a fructose malabsorption. Bloating and irregular bowel movements in this patient with PEA were correlated to carbohydrate malabsorption and were treated successfully with a diet free of culprit carbohydrates.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Fructose / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / pathology*
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / therapy
  • Male
  • Peritoneal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Peritoneal Diseases / pathology*
  • Peritoneal Diseases / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Fructose