AN UNCOMMON PRESENTATION OF SALMONELLA

Salmonella infection can cause appendicitis by direct invasion of the appendix, or can mimic appendicitis by causing mild inflammation of th e appendix, ileum, or lymph nodes. Clinical presentation and radiologi c and laboratory evaluation may not distinguish the extent of underlyi ng pathology. This case of a child with an atypical presentation of Sa lmonella who underwent diagnostic laparotomy illustrates the overlap o f enteric infections and acute appendicitis. A literature review confi rms the variety of clinical scenarios of patients with suspected appen dicitis and Salmonella-positive cultures. We conclude that enteric inf ection should be considered in children with atypical presentations of appendicitis, and that the knowledge that Salmonella can progress to appendicitis should guide management if signs and symptoms of appendic itis develop.