Presentation
RIF pain, non-migratory, LMP 3/52 ago.
Patient Data
A blind diverticulum arises from the caecum, presumably the appendix. It is thick-walled (measuring up to 8 mm), aperistaltic and hyperaemic. Small volume of surrounding free fluid. The patient was maximally tender over this point.
Case Discussion
This case demonstrates typical sonographic findings of acute appendicitis. The patient went to theatre for an appendicectomy and histology confirmed early acute appendicitis.
Undertaking the study may identify appendicitis and also allow for the assessment of other possible causes for symptoms (such as a ovarian cyst in females), but if the appendix is not visualised it does not exclude appendicitis.
It is important for radiology and clinical colleagues alike to understand that as with ultrasound for concerns over testicular torsion, absence of positive findings doesn't exclude appendicitis.