Acute presentation of cocoon abdomen as septic peritonitis mimicking with strangulated internal herniation: a case report

Acute presentation of cocoon abdomen as intestinal obstruction mimicking with strangulated eventration: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), or sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in which the bowel and internal abdominal organs are wrapped with a fibrocollagenous cocoon-like encapsulating membrane. While cocooning of the abdomen primarily manifests in individuals undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), it has also been reported to occur spontaneously. Remarkably rare, SEP may present with complete mechanical bowel obstruction in select cases.

CASE PRESENTATION

We hereby report a case of an 87-year-old female patient with a prior history of abdominal surgery, who presented to our emergency department with a clinical picture of complete small bowel obstruction. Clinical and radiological data were suggestive of a strangulated midline hernia, prompting a therapeutic laparotomy. The surgical exploration revealed the encasement of the small bowel loops within a thick fibrocollagenous membrane. Efficient resolution was achieved through skillful adhesiolysis and the meticulous excision of the fibrocollagenous membrane.

DISCUSSION

SEP is more prevalent in men, with a higher incidence observed in tropical and subtropical countries. While the precise pathophysiology remains elusive, it is hypothesized that subclinical intraabdominal inflammation gives rise to the formation of a dense fibrocollagenous membrane. This membrane encapsulates intraperitoneal organs, ultimately leading to intestinal obstruction. Patients typically present with a recurrent history of small bowel obstruction, notably in the absence of prior abdominal surgery. Abdominal CT scan with experienced radiologist interpretation can aid in preoperative diagnosis. In cases where non-operative management fails and recurrent obstructions persist, surgical adhesiolysis stands as the well-established gold standard.

CONCLUSION

SEP is a rare abdominal disease, posing challenges for preoperative diagnosis. Laparotomy plays an important role in its diagnosis and treatment. The primary objective of the surgical intervention is to release the encapsulation of the bowel and safeguard the optimal functioning of the small intestines as much as possible.

Idiopathic Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis - Preoperative diagnostic challenges: A case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Idiopathic Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis (ISEP) is an uncommon condition of intestinal bowel obstruction due to encapsulation of the abdominal organs in a thick fibro-collagenous membrane. The case presented here describes the emergency acute presentation of septic peritonitis discovered intraoperatively upon laparotomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A middle-aged woman was admitted to the emergency department and presented with generalized colicky abdominal pain associated with repetitive vomiting, abdominal distention, and absolute constipation. A digital rectal examination revealed an empty rectum and a bilious output was observed in the nasogastric tube. Abdominal X-Ray demonstrated multiple air-fluid levels with no air under the diaphragm. The patient was treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics intravenously (IV).

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The clinical impression of acute-on-chronic intestinal obstruction with peritonitis and the possibility of bowel strangulation was made. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed viable bowel loops encased in thickened fibrous capsules covering the entire abdominal viscera establishing the existence of ISEP. The fibrous capsule layer was excised out in small pieces from all the abdominal organs excluding stomach through extensive adhesiolysis without loop resection.

CONCLUSION

The emergency presentation of acute peritonitis observed in this study could only be identified through diagnostic laparoscopy and differential radiological imaging techniques. Further, better reporting of such rare cases may help clinicians understand the different clinical features that could indicate the occurrence of ISEP.

Abdominal cocoon syndrome. A rare cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome (ACS) also known as Idiopathic. Sclerosing Peritonitis, is a rare cause of Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a 59-year-old man with severe intestinal blockage symptoms for three days. Rectum had a noticeable amount of abdominal fat. To rule out the more common causes of mechanical blockage, a CT scan revealed the presence of a rare condition called Cocoon Syndrome, which necessitated exploratory laparotomy and adhesiolysis surgery. After the surgery, the patient was declared stable and was released from the hospital.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The diagnosis of a tuberculous abdominal cocoon before surgery is a real challenge.

CONCLUSION

Recognizing and understanding this entity, as well as the usual radiological findings, may help in its appropriate treatment.

Surgical timing for primary encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Primary encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but devastating disease that causes fibrocollagenous cocoon-like encapsulation of the bowel, resulting in bowel obstruction. The pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment strategies of EPS remain unclear so far. Since most patients are diagnosed during exploratory laparotomy, for the non-surgically diagnosed patients with primary EPS, the surgical timing is also uncertain.

CASE SUMMARY

A 44-year-old female patient was referred to our center on September 6, 2021, with complaints of abdominal distention and bilious vomiting for 2 d. Physical examination revealed that the vital signs were stable, and the abdomen was slightly distended. Computerized tomography scan showed a conglomerate of multiple intestinal loops encapsulated in a thick sac-like membrane, which was surrounded by abdominal ascites. The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic EPS. Recovery was observed after abdominal paracentesis, and the patient was discharged on September 13 after the resumption of a normal diet. This case raised a question: When should an exploratory laparotomy be performed on patients who are non-surgically diagnosed with EPS. As a result, we conducted a review of the literature on the clinical manifestations, intraoperative findings, surgical methods, and therapeutic effects of EPS.

CONCLUSION

Recurrent intestinal obstructions and abdominal mass combined with the imaging of encapsulated bowel are helpful in diagnosing idiopathic EPS. Small intestinal resection should be avoided.