Acute appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix created by a luminal blockage of external origin as a lymphoid hyperplasia or internal by materials or a stercolith [1].

Clinically, it manifests as umbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant, dating less than 48 hours and is associated with abdominal defense, fever, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, elevated inflammatory markers and tenderness in McBurney point [2],[3].

In regard to chronic appendicitis, it’s a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose. It was first reported by Crymble and Forsythe in 1949 [4], as a condition with at least 1 attack of mild appendicitis occurring in a sequence that may include more severe attacks [5].

It is currently defined as a long standing inflammation of the appendix that presents clinically as prolonged (>48 hours) or intermittent abdominal pain [6],[7].

Moreover, its diagnosis is often only made after appendectomy and histological analysis of the appendix [6].

Computed tomography imaging is considered the test of choice for patients with an equivocal presentation [8]. The diagnosis should not be missed because serious consequences may occur as abscess formation [9], occlusions or perforation [5].

We report the case of a 64-year-old patient who had been operated for a recurrent right inguinal hernia on several occasions and had presented for two years an issue of purulent fluid through the open scar. The last hernia repair was done three years ago under laparotomy with inguinal incision using the Lichtenstein technique which consists in closing the inguinal opening with a light prosthesis after hernia reduction.

The patient had no comorbidities. His general condition was well, and his body temperature was 38.5°C. Physical examination revealed swelling, redness, local temperature increase and pain in the right inguinal region .Blood biochemistry values were normal. White blood cell count was 12,000/mm³,and C-reactive protein level was 40 mg/L. Taking into account his surgical history, an abdomino-pelvic CT scan was requested to look for a potential digestive fistula.

The CT showed an heterogeneous thickening of the hernia scar spread over 39 mm (Figure 1), poorly limited, containing calcification (Figure 2) with infiltration of fat around (Figure 3).

This infiltration was in contact with the distal end of the appendix which was thickened (Figure 1).

Liver, spleen, kidneys, and pancreas were without abnormalities. No deep lymphadenopathy or peritoneal effusion was found.

We concluded to a right inguinal collection continuing with the appendix which was thickened, in favor of chronic appendicitis.

The current surgery was performed under laparotomy with inguinal incision on the previous scar. An abscessed collection of thick liquid was revealed, it was in contact with the swollen appendix. The mesh previously used for the hernia repair appeared to be affected by the infection due to its dirty appearance; it was therefore removed and replaced.

Appendectomy and abscess drainage were performed and the patient was put under observation for a few days.

The incidence rate of chronic appendicitis is estimated at 1.5% of all cases in general population [8]. This condition is difficult to diagnose for clinicians because patients do not present typical signs of appendicitis. There are also no formal criteria for this kind of appendicitis [8],[9]. Its diagnosis is generally made after an appendectomy and based on histologic findings of chronic inflammatory changes [5], such as fibrosis, lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate, and a prevalence of T lymphocytes [10],[11].

The physiopathology of chronic or recurrent appendicitis is yet to be discussed [7]. For some authors it is due to a mechanical partial obstruction of the appendix lumen which leads to a gradual distension of the appendix wall [12]. For others, it is due to an excessive production of mucus within the appendix lumen [13].

Clinically, most patients report a moderate right lower quadrant abdominal pain lasting more than 48 hours. It could last up for months or years or could be a recurrent episodic pain [14],[15]. It can be present with or without associated systemic symptoms and the laboratory test results might be normal [16].

The management of chronic appendicitis is based on surgical exploration followed by an appendectomy if no other obvious pathology is identified [17],[18],[19]. Most of the studies describe a relief of symptoms few years after appendectomy, particularly in children [20],[21]. 

Although it is not considered as a surgical emergency, for most patients with chronic appendicitis, resolution of pain comes with appendectomy [8].

Imaging studies might be helpful in the diagnosis of chronic appendicitis [5]. Ultrasound is used first, and if it is not helpful, we go to CT scan, or endoscopy [8]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be considered in pediatric population [22]. Computed tomography may find pericecal stranding, dilated appendix, apical thickening, adenopathy, appendicolith, abscess, arrowhead sign, phlegmon, and fluid [8].

Hernia is a general term describing a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening within the anatomic structure. 75% of all hernias occur in the inguinal region with 9:1 male predominance [23].

It would be interesting to cite Amyand hernia as an example of an association between inguinal hernia and appendicitis, and a condition that should be considered in cases of recurrent inguinal abscess [24]. It is a rare event described by an acute or perforated appendicitis occurring within an inguinal hernia [25]. Indeed, the appendix is found in the hernial sac during surgery.

The first case was reported in 1735 by the surgeon Claudius Amyand in an 11-year-old-male patient [25]. It is said to occur secondary to ischemic events related to incarceration because of the sedation and analgesia used for the manual reduction of the incarcerated hernia and/or direct trauma to the appendix during that reduction [26].

Appendiceal inflammation can sometimes occur in a chronic form. Chronic appendicitis is a diagnosis characterized by long-standing lower quadrant pain that is associated with histopathologic chronic inflammatory changes. This condition may lead to serious complications as abscess formation, occlusion, and perforation. Appendectomy improves symptoms in most patients. Any recurrent inguinal abscess should suggest the diagnosis of chronic appendicitis in addition to complications due to the type of hernia repair therapy such as hernia mesh infection.