Valentino’s Syndrome: A Case Report of Perforated Peptic Ulcer Presenting as Acute Appendicitis Managed Laparoscopically

Abdominal pain is a leading cause of emergency department consultations, with right lower quadrant pain representing a frequent surgical emergency commonly attributed to acute appendicitis. Valentino’s syndrome is a rare condition in which a perforated peptic ulcer mimics the clinical presentation of acute appendicitis. We report the case of a 27-year-old man who presented with right iliac fossa pain suggestive of acute appendicitis. Ultrasonography demonstrated an enlarged appendix measuring 8.2 mm with meso-appendiceal thickening and moderate intraperitoneal free fluid. However, intraoperative findings revealed a perforated peptic ulcer as the underlying cause. The patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with Graham patch repair of the perforation, followed by peritoneal lavage and drainage. The postoperative course was uneventful. This case highlights the importance of considering alternative diagnoses in patients presenting with features of acute appendicitis, as well as the value of laparoscopy as both a diagnostic and therapeutic approach, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality.