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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
09:26
Transabdominal Ultrasound for Pregnancy Diagnosis in Reeves' Muntjac Deer
Published on: January 7, 2014
Appendicitis in pregnancy: an ongoing diagnostic dilemma
J J S Brown1, C Wilson, S Coleman
1Department of Surgery, South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Harton Lane, South Shields, UK. j.j.s.brown@ncl.ac.uk
Summary
Appendicitis in pregnancy (AIP) diagnosis is challenging. Nausea, vomiting, and peritonism are key symptoms, with imaging like ultrasound, CT, and MRI aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Appendicitis in pregnancy (AIP) is the most common non-obstetric surgical emergency.
- Diagnostic delays in AIP increase risks for both mother and fetus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate symptoms and signs of AIP.
- To identify consistent clinical features for diagnosis.
- To review the role of imaging in diagnosing AIP.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE and PubMed for case-control studies.
- Analysis of preoperative symptoms and appendiceal pathology.
- Qualitative assessment of imaging modalities: ultrasound (US), computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Main Results:
- Nausea (OR: 2.21), vomiting (OR: 0.82-15.6), and peritonism (OR: 1.80) were significantly associated with AIP.
- US, CT, and MRI have demonstrated success in diagnosing AIP.
- Laparoscopic appendectomy was found to be safely performed during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Appendicitis in pregnancy presents diagnostic challenges for surgeons.
- Consensus on the safety of laparoscopy, CT, and MRI in pregnancy requires further research.
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