Computed tomography of appendical abscess
Tiu, C.M.; Pan, H.B.; Chou, Y.H.; Chang, T.; Su, Y.G.; Chiang, J.H.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 85(1): 54-59
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0371-7682 PMID: 3458872 Document Number: 269741
Patients complicated with abscess due to appendicitis sometimes did not present with specific clinical symptoms and signs, thus making concise diagnosis difficult. Further radiological examination is always sought. Computed tomography (CT) can display precisely the location, size, extension and contents of the abscess. The identification of a small amount of air and appendicolith by CT is much better than plain KUB (57%: 29%). CT is both specific and sensitive for diagnosing appendicolith due to its high attenuation value. The presence of air and appendicolithiasis signifies the diagnosis of appendical abscess. When sonography cannot provide a definite diagnosis for appendical abscess, CT would possibly provide reliable evidence.