[Is appendicolith a reliable sign for acute appendicitis at MDCT?]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Appendicitis diagnosis relies on imaging, but differentiating normal from inflamed appendices can be challenging.
• Appendicoliths are calcifications within the appendix, often associated with appendicitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of appendicolith detection in normal appendices using multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT).
• To assess if appendicoliths are a reliable indicator of appendicitis.

Main Methods:

• Abdominopelvic MDCT scans of 57 asymptomatic adult patients were reviewed by a radiologist.
• Multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) were utilized to analyze thick and thin slices.
• Appendix visualization, diameter, intraluminal gas, and presence of appendicoliths were recorded.

Main Results:

• The appendix was visualized in 82% of patients.
• Appendicoliths were detected in 13% of normal appendices.
• Intraluminal gas was present in 87% of visualized appendices.

Conclusions:

• Appendicoliths are found in a significant proportion of normal appendices on MDCT.
• The presence of an appendicolith alone should not be considered a specific sign of appendicitis.