A Complex Case of Dysmenorrhea and Concurrent Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is a common problem experienced by many women on a regular basis. It is characterized by recurrent bouts of crampy abdominal pain that is associated with the menstrual cycle. These episodes can vary in severity and frequency and may require treatment. The objective of this study is to shed light on a case of severe dysmenorrhea that occurred simultaneously with acute appendicitis. The patient underwent appendectomy, but despite this continued to have abdominal pain in the postoperative period. This led to many investigations for possible post-surgical complications that had no yield. The diagnosis of dysmenorrhea was made with help from family members who disclosed that the patient had heavy bleeding and severe crampy menstrual pain associated with nausea and vomiting. This information was unknown to the medical team as this patient did not disclose this information. The coincidence of dysmenorrhea and concurrent acute appendicitis led to difficulty in diagnosing the etiology of the lingering postoperative abdominal pain.