From the Research
Omental infarction is a rare condition where blood flow to the omentum becomes compromised, leading to tissue death, and should be initially managed conservatively with pain management and monitoring, as suggested by the most recent study 1.
Definition and Presentation
Omental infarction typically presents with sudden, sharp abdominal pain, usually on the right side, which can mimic appendicitis or cholecystitis. The condition can occur spontaneously or following trauma, surgery, or hypercoagulable states.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often made through CT imaging, which shows inflammation and stranding of the omental fat, as seen in the study by 1.
Treatment
Treatment is generally conservative, including pain management with NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for 5-7 days, rest, and monitoring.
- Most cases resolve within 1-2 weeks with this approach.
- In severe cases or when complications like abscess formation occur, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the omentum, as noted in the study by 2.
Prognosis
The condition occurs because the omentum has a tenuous blood supply through end arteries with minimal collateral circulation, making it susceptible to infarction if blood flow is disrupted. While uncomfortable, omental infarction generally has a good prognosis with appropriate management, as reported by 1.
Key Points
- Omental infarction is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain.
- Conservative management is the initial treatment of choice.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases or when complications occur.
- The condition has a good prognosis with appropriate management, as supported by the study 1.