Acute Appendicitis, Somatosensory Disturbances (“Head Zones”), and the Differential Diagnosis of Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (ACNES)

Background Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a neuropathic abdominal wall pain syndrome typically characterized by locally altered skin sensations. On the other hand, visceral disease may also be associated with similar painful and altered skin sensations (“Head zones”). Aim of the study was to determine if patients with acute appendicitis demonstrated somatosensory disturbances in the corresponding right lower quadrant Head zone.