1. To review the pathogenesis and variable clinical features of acute appendicitis. 2. To illustrate and describe both typical and atypical imaging features of acute appendicitis, including stump appendicitis and tip appendicitis, particularly highlighting the role of ultrasound and computed tomography. 3. To illustrate and describe complications of acute appendicitis, including gangrene, perforation, local abscess formation, peritonitis, pyelothrombosis, hepatic abscess formation, urinary tract obstruction and bowel obstruction. 4. To illustrate and describe other appendiceal pathology that may mimic acute appendicitis in its clinical presentation, namely...

Appendicectomy for suspected acute appendicitis is the most commonly performed emergency general surgical procedure in the world.[1] Despite the high incidence of acute appendicitis, it can still present a diagnostic challenge with up to one-third of cases having atypical features.[2] Other gastrointestinal and genitourinary pathology can also mimic its presentation. Untreated acute appendicitis may lead to complications such as appendiceal perforation, abscess formation, peritonitis, pyelophlebitis, pyelothrombosis as well as urinary tract and bowel obstruction. A delay in diagnosis increases the likelihood of complications and carries...

Acute Appendicitis Acute appendicitis refers to acute inflammation of the appendiceal wall. It is most common in adolescents and young adults but may occur at any age. The presentation is more likely to be atypical in the very young and very old, with the diagnosis made more difficult due to the increased likelihood of alternate diagnoses in these age-groups. The lifetime risk of appendicitis is approximately 7%. Most commonly, the inflammed appendix is positioned retrocaecally.[3] Pathogenesis Acute appendicitis is thought to be caused by increasing...

Acute appendicitis is a common emergency presentation with the potential to cause significant patient morbidity and mortality. This review provides radiology trainees and radiology consultants with an overview of both the typical and atypical imaging features of acute appendicitis and its complications, with various case examples, to aid early and accurate diagnosis.

Dr Troy Wooding is a 2nd yearradiology registrar in the Western Australia Radiology Training program. Dr Chandra (Padmini) Hewavitharana is a consultant abdominal and general radiologist at Royal Perth Hospital.

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