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  • Clinical Case Report
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Primary epiploic appendagitis and fructose malabsorption

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Abstract

Primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is a rare cause of abdominal acute or subacute complaints. Diagnosis of PEA is made when computed tomography (CT) reveals a characteristic lesion. We report on contrast-enhanced CT images of a patient with PEA and regression of inflammation and the reduction in size of the inflamed appendage over the time period of 4 months. Patients with PEA usually recover without medication or surgical treatment within a few weeks. However, due to continuing bloating and irregular bowel movements we investigated carbohydrate malabsorption and diagnosed a fructose malabsorption. Bloating and irregular bowel movements in this patient with PEA were correlated to carbohydrate malabsorption and were treated successfully with a diet free of culprit carbohydrates.

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Correspondence to W J Schnedl.

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Schnedl, W., Lipp, R., Wallner-Liebmann, S. et al. Primary epiploic appendagitis and fructose malabsorption. Eur J Clin Nutr 68, 1359–1361 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.109

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.109

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