Periappendiceal submucosal abscess presenting as a cecal mass.

Background: Submucosal abscesses are rare in the gastrointestinal tract. Although they have been reported throughout the tract, occurrence within the appendix has not been described.

Methods: Case report and review of the current literature.

Results: We present the case of a patient with a periappendiceal mass found incidentally on workup for anemia. An ileocecectomy was performed for presumed cecal neoplasm. Histologic examination showed a submucosal periappendiceal abscess with no evidence of malignancy.

Conclusions: This case is unique because although appendiceal abscesses often occur as a result of acute appendicitis, our patient presented with an incidental periappendiceal submucosal abscess, not preceded by any gastrointestinal infection or surgery. Periappendiceal submucosal abscess should be included in the differential diagnosis of masses found on colonoscopy.