Objective Infarction of the greater omentum is a rare etiology of acute abd
ominal pain. The differential diagnosis, especially with appendicitis, is d
ifficult to establish.
Case report A 29 years-old male presented with acute abdominal pain. He und
erwent a laparoscopic resection on the 5th hospital day because of persista
nt pain despite conservative management Histopathological examination confi
rmed the diagnosis of omental infarction.
Discussion Primary segmental necrosis of the omentum is a rare entity. Obes
ity and cardiovascular diseases are considered predisposing conditions. The
infarctions tend to occur in the right side of the omentum. Abdominal pain
is predominant in opposition to the patient's good general condition. Labo
ratory results are usually nonspecific Abdominal ultrasound may show a soli
d, ovoid, hyperechoic lesion. CT-scan may depict a fatty oval-shaped mass b
elow the right anterolateral parietal wall associated with a thickening of
the anterior parietal peritoneum.
Conclusion The correct diagnosis of omental infarction is important to esta
blish preoperatively in acute abominal pain, as in uneventful courses surge
ry can be avoided.