Introduction:Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Children with HUS often present with gastrointestinal complaints, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. This presentation can mimic other gastrointestinal illnesses, including appendicitis, which further adds to the known diagnostic challenge.
Case Report:We report an 8-year-old male who presents with abdominal pain and diarrheaassociated HUS. Kidney ultrasound obtained for acute kidney failure showed an incidental finding of a dilated appendix which was confirmed on a follow-up appendix ultrasound. Patient lacked the typical findings of acute appendicitis such as fever, abdominal tenderness or rigidity. We observed the patient without medical or surgical treatment for acute appendicitis as ultrasound findings were attributed to HUS, and the patient's abdominal pain and HUS resolved without any intervention.
Conclusion:Self-limited appendiceal inflammation may be seen in diarrhea-associated HUS, and the diagnostic utility of appendix ultrasound to evaluate for acute appendicitis may be limited in a patient with HUS and abdominal pain.
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