Periappendicular Abscess

Periappendicular Abscess: Acute or chronic inflammation of the appendiceal serosa may occur in advanced stages of acute appendicitis or it may be due to spread from an extra-appendicular inflammatory process. This gross specimen shows obstruction of the appendicular lumen by fecalith. The surrounding soft tissue shows dense fibrosis. With this gross appearance, thorough sampling is essential to rule out a neoplasm or an extra-appendicular inflammatory process.

Image courtesy of Dr. Jean-Christophe Fournet, Paris, France; humpath.com; Used with permission.