IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Acute appendicitis

Case contributed by Matthew Lukies
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Two day history of worsening right iliac fossa pain.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Female
ultrasound

Aperistaltic, non-compressible, dilated vermiform appendix is seen in the right lower fossa measuring 9 mm in diameter, with hyperemia and surrounding hyperechoic fat. 

'Target" appearance of the appendix on axial plane.

Tenderness on ultrasound probe palpation of the vermiform appendix.

Normal-sized and non-tender bilateral ovaries on trans-abdominal scanning

Case Discussion

The findings are consistent with acute appendicitis.

The patient proceeded to laparoscopic appendectomy and the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was confirmed on subsequent histopathology, with focal mucosal ulceration and transmural acute inflammation.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.