The radiological signs of acute appendicitis in infancy and childhood.
The radiological findings in 93 children operated on for acute appendicitis were reviewed retrospectively; acute appendicitis was confirmed in 76 (81%). These children were compared with 40 children with abdominal pain, but without appendicitis. Pre-operative radiographs in the children with appendicitis showed a significantly higher incidence of scoliosis, properitoneal line displacement, caecal dilatation with air/fluid levels and terminal ileal dilatation with air/fluid levels. The incidence of radiologically demonstrable faecaliths was not statistically higher in the children suffering from acute appendicitis. In children under the age of 4 years, in whom the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is often difficult, the radiological signs are helpful.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography