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Clinical and imaging mimickers of acute appendicitis in the pediatric population

Tammy Sung1, Michael J Callahan, George A Taylor

  • 1Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. tsung@partners.org

AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|December 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Many children with right lower quadrant pain have diagnoses other than appendicitis. Recognizing these common imaging mimickers in pediatric patients is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Abdominal Imaging
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain is a common presentation in pediatric emergency departments.
  • Appendicitis is frequently suspected, but alternative diagnoses are prevalent.
  • Accurate differentiation is essential to avoid unnecessary surgery and ensure timely treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To illustrate the imaging findings of common conditions that mimic appendicitis in children.
  • To provide a reference for radiologists and clinicians managing pediatric RLQ pain.

Main Methods:

  • Review of imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI) in pediatric patients presenting with RLQ pain.
  • Identification and categorization of alternative diagnoses.
  • Correlation with clinical and surgical findings where available.

Main Results:

  • A spectrum of gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and pulmonary conditions can present as RLQ pain.
  • Key imaging features distinguishing these mimickers from appendicitis are highlighted.
  • Examples include intussusception, mesenteric adenitis, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of pediatric RLQ pain evaluations reveal non-appendiceal pathologies.
  • Familiarity with imaging characteristics of these mimickers improves diagnostic accuracy.
  • This knowledge aids in effective management of pediatric abdominal pain.
Abstract

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