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.