A Case of Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumor with Appendicitis During Pregnancy

Abstract

A 27-year-old primipara at 7 weeks presented with the complaint of acute right lower quadrant pain. Abdominal physical examination revealed rebound tenderness at the McBurney’s point, and abdominal CT showed swelling of the appendix. No neoplastic lesion or lymphadenopathy was observed. We made the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and performed emergency laparoscopic appendectomy. The postoperative course of the mother and embryo were uneventful. The patient was discharged on the 7th day after the surgery. The histopathological diagnosis was perforated gangrenous appendicitis and appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor (NET) G1 measuring 7 mm in diameter, without mesenteric and vascular invasion. We decided not to perform additional resection. Appendiceal NETs account for less than about 3％ of all NETs and they are rarely diagnosed in pregnant women. In regard to the treatment policy, it is necessary to evaluate the test results and make a judgment on the most appropriate surgical procedure and possibility of continued pregnancy.