ONLY THREE references to appendicoileal fistula are reported in the available literature to date.1 As Shallow points out, a fistula between the appendix and any other viscus is uncommon and one between the appendix and the terminal ileum extremely rare. Four cases are presented herewith to support the belief that this type of fistula is a complication of acute appendicitis with perforation. In the first two cases communication between the appendix and the ileum was present; the other two cases are believed to represent intermediate stages in the formation of appendicoileal fistulas.
REPORT OF CASES
Case 1.
—C. R., a Negro boy aged 7 yr., entered Cook County Hospital on Nov. 8, 1947, for the third time. In September, 1946, a diagnosis of acute appendicitis with perforation was made. Conservative treatment resulted in improvement, but one month later it became necessary to drain a pelvic abscess through the rectum.