This is Not the Appendix You're Looking For

A previously healthy 11 year-old male presents to the ED with three days of lower abdominal pain. The patient was evaluated at an urgent care center prior to arrival and was sent to the ED to “rule out appendicitis.” The patient reports intermittent “stabbing” pain that was initially suprapubic, but moved to the right lower quadrant today. The patient states the pain comes and goes without a clear trigger, but he has been able to eat normally and go to school. His mom became concerned today when they were about to eat dinner and the patient had an episode of severe pain that caused him to lie down. His mom gave him acetaminophen with some relief. He has not had fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. He has no sick contacts. He denies dysuria and penile discharge…

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