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Acute appendicitis

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Non-descriptive visceral pain in the periumbilical region, followed by nausea. Previous radiography study was unremarkable. Previous US study showed signs of inflamed mesenteric fat in the right lower quadrant.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

CT Abdomen and pelvis

ct

Right lower quadrant: dilated appendix with a small appendicolith and surrounding inflammatory stranding.

Case Discussion

The prevalence of appendicitis in patients who present with abdominal pain to the emergency department is approximately 14%.

Traditionally, acute appendicitis has been diagnosed by clinical findings.

CT is highly sensitive (94-98%) and specific (up to 97%) for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, and allows for alternative causes of abdominal pain also to be diagnosed. In this case, a non-contrast study, as institution protocol, was enough to determine the diagnosis.

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