Diagnostic Imaging Examinations for Suspected Appendicitis A Narrative Review
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Abstract
The vermiform appendix is a unique organ, especially when considering its role in human physiology, which has been speculated and debated for centuries. Recent findings and correlations indicate that the vermiform appendix has some homeostatic function in gut health and plays a critical role in the microbial makeup of the large intestine. Diagnostic Imaging to rule out an inamed appendix is a routine procedure in health emergencies. Yet the associated risks with appendicitis and appendectomy elicit continued research on the
topic. The lifetime risk of appendicitis was found to be 8.6% for males and 6.7% for females, with the highest incidence rate in individuals aged 10 to 19 years (23.3 cases per 10,000 people annually). A family history of appendicitis has also been shown to increase the risk for appendicitis in adulthood. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children. The concern for radiation dose, especially for pregnant and pediatric populations, makes appendiceal imaging a balancing act between various patient
populations and image modality tradeos. While computed tomography remains the imaging modality of choice for nonpregnant adult populations, the implementation of ultrasound is an invaluable imaging modality without the concern for ionizing radiation.
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References
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