Review of appendicitis: routine, complicated, and mimics

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Appendicitis is a frequent cause of emergency abdominal pain.
• Diagnosis can be challenging due to atypical presentations and imaging findings.
• Distinguishing appendicitis from other causes of right lower quadrant pain is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review differential diagnoses for right lower quadrant pain.
• Describe computed tomography (CT) imaging features of simple appendicitis.
• Provide guidance for complex appendicitis cases, mimics, and appendix neoplasms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on appendicitis diagnosis and imaging.
• Analysis of computed tomography (CT) characteristics.
• Discussion of differential diagnoses and management strategies.

Main Results:

• Computed tomography (CT) is key for diagnosing appendicitis, but atypical appearances require careful evaluation.
• Differential diagnoses for right lower quadrant pain include various gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal conditions.
• Management strategies vary for simple, complicated appendicitis, and associated neoplasms.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of appendicitis, especially in equivocal CT findings, is vital.
• Understanding appendicitis mimics and appendix neoplasms improves patient outcomes.
• Multidisciplinary approach is essential for managing complex appendicitis cases.