Omental infarction in an elderly patient: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Acute abdominal pain is a prevalent complaint among patients presenting to emergency departments. omental infarction (OIO) is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain characterized by occlusion of the omental blood supply leading to ischemia and necrosis, it can mimic the clinical presentation of appendicitis. Patients with OI often present with acute or subacute nonspecific abdominal pain that usually involves the right abdominal quadrants. The diagnosis of OI cannot be based only on clinical presentation, but also on imaging tests. Its treatment is still much discussed. Objective: To demonstrate the difficulty and importance of the correct diagnosis of OI, as well as its treatment. Methods: From a medical case that occurred at the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Presidente Prudente, and its medical records, information was collected to carry out this report. Results: The etiology of omental infarction is not yet very well explained, but there are risk factors for the development of this pathology, such as obesity or blunt abdominal trauma. Computed tomography remains the best form of diagnosis to rule out other causes. Its treatment is still discussed and may consist of surgical or conservative treatment. Conclusion: Although rare, it should be remembered in patients with acute pain in the abdomen. CT scans or MRIs are essential in diagnosing and ruling out other causes. The treatment is still much discussed between surgical or conservative, so it should be chosen according to each patient.