Torsion of the Vermiform Appendix in an 18-Day-Old Neonate: A Case Report from Romania and Review of the Literature

Background and Clinical Significance: Torsion of the vermiform appendix is a rare condition with a clinical presentation closely resembling acute appendicitis, while preoperative investigations are of limited value in distinguishing between the two entities. In most cases, the definitive diagnosis is made incidentally during surgery. Case Presentation: The authors present the case of an 18-day-old female neonate who presented with marked abdominal distension, diffuse spontaneous and palpation-induced abdominal pain, guarding, and signs of peritoneal irritation. The clinical manifestations and paraclinical findings mimicked a neonatal intestinal obstruction; however, intraoperative exploration revealed a gangrenous vermiform appendix twisted 240° anticlockwise, associated with a fibrinous pseudomembrane and multiple enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Although the initial therapeutic strategy was to perform a laparoscopy, severe abdominal distension caused by marked aerocolia necessitated conversion to a supra- and infraumbilical midline laparotomy. We thus describe, to the best of our knowledge, one of the youngest neonatal cases of appendiceal torsion reported in the literature. Conclusions: Although rare, appendiceal torsion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal acute abdomen, and timely surgical exploration is key to achieving a favorable outcome.