Update on acute appendicitis: Typical and untypical findings

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is the most common indication for emergency abdominal surgery throughout the world and a common reason for consultation in emergency departments. In recent decades, diagnostic imaging has played a fundamental role in identifying acute appendicitis, helping to reduce the rate of blind laparotomies and hospital costs. Given the results of clinical trials supporting the use of antibiotic therapy over surgical treatment, radiologists need to know the diagnostic criteria for complicated acute appendicitis to be able to recommend the best treatment option. This review aims not only to define the diagnostic criteria for appendicitis in different imaging modalities (ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging), but also to explain the diagnostic protocols, atypical presentations, and other conditions that can mimic appendicitis.

Keywords: Apendicitis; Apendicitis atípica; Appendicitis; Atypical appendicitis; Complicaciones; Complications; Computed tomography; Diagnosis; Diagnóstico; Ecografía; Tomografía computarizada; Ultrasonography.