Diagnostic imaging of acute appendicitis

Abstract

The principal advantages of US are its lower cost, lack of ionizing radiation, and ability to assess vascularity through colour Doppler techniques and to provide dynamic information through graded compression. The principal advantages of CT include less operator dependency than US, as reflected by a higher diagnostic accuracy, and enhanced delineation of disease extent in a perforated appendix and in obese patients. Both exams are particularly useful in detecting other conditions that may mimic appendicitis. Acute appendicitis is the most common condition requiring emergency abdominal surgery. The condition typically develops in older chlidren and young adults. It is rare under the age of 2 years. The lifetime risk of acute appendicitis ranges from 7% to 9%. Acute appendicitis presents a challenging problem to caregivers because it must be differentiated from a variety of other conditions that result in acute abdominal pain.