Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Acute, Inflammation, Education, Ultrasound, CT, MR, Emergency, Gastrointestinal tract, Abdomen
Authors:
T. Wooding, C. P. Hewavitharana; WA/AU
DOI:
10.1594/ranzcr2018/R-0005
Background
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 a significantly increased risk of patient morbidity and mortality.
Consequently,
radiologists can play an important role in ensuring timely delivery of appropriate treatment by promptly recognising the typical and atypical imaging appearances of acute appendicitis,
its complications and mimics.