A peculiar appendix: A case report

Acute appendicitis is a clinical diagnosis with marked variations in the clinical presentation, the latter resultant of varied anatomical positions of the appendix. Here we present the first documented case of the vermiform appendix located in the ascending colon of a young South Asian male who presented with right upper abdominal pain. The ultrasound scan of the abdomen failed to visualise the appendix in the right iliac fossa. Persistent symptoms despite conservative therapy and elevated inflammatory markers warranted an open laparotomy. The histology further confirmed acute appendicitis. Atypical locations and congenital anomalies of the appendix are relatively rare entities. Appendicular duplication and hypoplasia are the predominant varieties of congenital anomalies. Caecal diverticula might mimic acute appendicitis despite the relative rarity and absence of all three layers of intestinal wall, which could be of use in distinguishing an abnormally located appendix. Such deviations from the norm lead to atypical clinical and imaging findings where operative interventions might be required in place of non-operative care, especially in instances of persistent symptomatology. •Human appendix has a variable course although congenital anomalies related to its position are rare•Unusual anatomical positions lead to atypical presentations and negative/abnormal findings in appendicular pathology.•Hypoplasia, agenesis, duplication, triplication and diverticular formation are rare congenital anomalies of the appendix.•Appendix located in the ascending colon has never been reported in the English literature so far.