Primary segmental necrosis of the omentum in an obese patient

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.