Learning objectives
To review the general features of the most common surgical intervention in a hospital environment.
To revise its typical imaging features in ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT).
To present other pathologic entities that may mimic appendicitis.
Background
Introduction:
Appendicitis is the acute inflammation of the cecal appendix.
Its cause is the obstruction of the appendiceal lumen for several reasons, such as hyperplasia of the lymphoid follicles, fecalith, primary appendiceal neoplastic processes, metastasis, adhesions, Crohn’s disease, foreign bodies, and parasites.
Appendicitis could be classifiedaccording to its severity.
Not complicated:
- Simple or catarrhal Appendicitis.
- Phlegmonous Appendicitis.
Complicated:
- Gangrenous Appendicitis.
- Perforated Appendicitis.
The diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination, and blood analysis.
Various scales stratify the risk of suffering...
Findings and procedure details
MIMICS:
1) Acute right diverticulitis. Fig. 8.
2) Acute cholecystitis. Fig. 9.
3) Acute pancreatitis. Fig. 10.
- Interstitial edematous pancreatitis.
- Necrotizing pancreatitis.
4) Gynecological alterations.
- 4.1. Hemorrhagic corpus luteum. Fig. 11.
- 4.2. Functional ovarian cysts. Fig. 11.
- 4.3. Adnexal (ovary and fallopian tube) torsion. Fig. 12.
- 4.4. Endometriosis. Fig. 12.
- 4.5. Ectopic pregnancy. Fig. 12.
- 4.6. Acute pelvic inflammatory disease. Fig. 13.
5) Urinary alterations.
- 5.1. Ureteral stones. Fig. 14.
- 5.2 Pyelonephritis. Fig. 15.
6)...
Conclusion
In conclusion, this review illustrates theimagingfeatures of a broad spectrum of diseases that may clinically present as appendicitis in patients without appendicitis. A correct imaging diagnosisis essential as it could prevent unnecessarysurgery or hospitalization.
Personal information and conflict of interest
Y. Lamprecht; Santander/ES - nothing to disclose E. Marin; Santander/ES - nothing to disclose E. Montes Figueroa; Santander/ES - nothing to disclose R. Pellon Daben; Santander/ES - nothing to disclose J. Crespo Del Pozo; Selaya, Cantabria, ESPAÑA/ES - nothing to disclose S. Sánchez Bernal; Santander/ES - nothing to disclose M. M. Acebo Garcia; Santander/ES - nothing to disclose F. Gonzalez Sanchez; Santander/ES - nothing to disclose P. Menéndez Fernández-Miranda; Santander/ES - nothing to disclose
References
Toprak H, Yilmaz T, Yildiz S, Turkmen I, Kurtcan S. Mimics of acute appendicitis—Alternative diagnoses at sonography, CT, and MRI; specific imaging findings that can help in differential diagnosis. Clinical Imaging. 2018;48:90-105.
van Breda Vriesman A, Puylaert J. Mimics of Appendicitis: Alternative Nonsurgical Diagnoses with Sonography and CT. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2006;186(4):1103-1112.
Thompson JP, Selvaraj D, Nicola R . Mimickers of Acute Appendicitis. J Am Osteopath Coll Radiol. 2014;3(4):10-21.
Siegel M, Sargar K. Sonography of acute appendicitis and its mimics in children. Indian Journal...
