A Case of Campylobacter Colitis Presenting as Pseudoappendicitis and Review of the Literature

Background: Right lower quadrant pain is evaluated commonly by the general surgeon. Appendicitis is a common presenting pathology, however, there are numerous other non-surgical pathologies that may present similarly. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 37-year-old Caucasian male presenting with two days of right lower quadrant abdominal pain with elevated temperature, leukocytosis, diarrhea, and chills after preparing turkey for a Thanksgiving meal. On presentation, the patient was febrile and persistently tachycardic with a heart rate of 130 beats per minute. Imaging findings were consistent with ascending colitis with mesenteric adenitis. Stool studies were positive for Campylobacter. The patient was treated successfully non-operatively with antibiotics, fluid replacement, and bowel rest. Conclusion: Patients who present with persistent right lower quadrant abdominal pain, leukocytosis, elevated temperature, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea should be evaluated for acute appendicitis. However, multiple non-surgical etiologies presenting as pseudoappendicitis must also be considered.