Diagnosis of Appendicitis by Ultrasound

Abstract

The sonographic hallmark of appendicitis is direct visualization of the inflamed appendix. The classic appearance is that of a concentrically layered, small, sausagelike structure found at the point of tenderness (Fig. 5.1). At one end the appendix is blind (Fig. 5.2), and at the other end it is seen attached to the caecal pole, usually at its posteromedial aspect (Fig. 5.3). Since the appendix usually lies in a curve, US may yield all cross sections imaginable (Fig. 5.4). Real-time imaging of a curved appendix may show a typical phenomenon (Fig. 5.5).