Ultrasonographic findings identifying the faecal-impacted appendix: differential findings with acute appendicitis

The aim of this study was to identify ultrasonographic findings that show the normal faecal-impacted appendix, in order to avoid unnecessary surgery via a misdiagnosis of acute appendicitis. Of 160 patients who underwent ultrasonography between January 2004 and July 2005 for right lower quadrant pain, 22 cases (including 7 cases confirmed pathologically and 15 confirmed clinically and on follow-up ultrasonography) were diagnosed as a normal faecal-impacted appendix. The criteria that we used to distinguish a faecal-impacted appendix from acute appendicitis include preservation of the normal wall layering of the appendix, maximum mural thickness, presence of peri-appendiceal fat infiltration and increased blood flow in the appendiceal wall. The maximum measured outer diameter of a normal faecal-impacted appendix was 0.54-1.03 cm, with a mean diameter of 0.68 cm. The maximum mural thickness ranged from 0.08 cm to 0.26 cm, with a mean thickness of 0.15 cm. The normal wall layers of the appendix were preserved and no evidence was seen of peri-appendiceal fat infiltration in any case. No demonstrably increased blood flow in the appendiceal wall was observed. In conclusion, faecal impaction increases the outer transverse diameter of the normal appendix, frequently leading to a misdiagnosis of acute appendicitis. Recognition of preservation of the normal layering of the appendiceal wall, smaller maximal outer diameter, thinner maximal mural thickness, the absence of peri-appendiceal mesenteric infiltration and no demonstrably increased blood flow in the appendiceal wall should help to prevent unnecessary surgery.