12th May 2024

A 10-year-old boy is brought to the clinic with a 2-day history of right lower abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. The pain is described as dull and constant.

A 10-year-old boy is brought to the clinic with a 2-day history of right lower abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. The pain is described as dull and constant. His parents report that he recently recovered from a viral upper respiratory infection. Physical examination reveals tenderness in the right lower quadrant but no rebound tenderness or guarding. Blood tests show a mildly elevated white cell count.

Which underlying mechanism is most likely responsible for his clinical presentation?