Abstract

Appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency. While the clinical diagnosis may be straight forward in patients who present with classic signs and symptoms, atypical presentations may result in diagnostic confusion and delay in treatment. Abdominal pain is the primary presenting complaint of patients with acute appendicitis. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia occur in varying degrees. Abdominal examination reveals localised tenderness and muscular rigidity after localisation of the pain to the right iliac fossa. Laboratory data upon presentation usually reveal an elevated leukocytosis. Measurement of C-reactive protein is most likely to be elevated. The advances in imaginology trend to diminish the false positive or negative diagnosis. In experienced hands, ultrasound may have a sensitivity of 90% and specificity higher than 90%. Despite all medical advances, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis continues to be a medical challenge

Description