title: Plain film radiographic diagnosis of acute appendicitis: an evaluation of the signs.
abstract: The preoperative plain abdominal radiographs of 34 patients who had had appendectomies were evaluated to determine the frequency of well-known radiographic signs in acute appendicitis. Scoliosis occurred in 17 patients (50%), right lower quadrant (RLQ) fluid levels in 21 (62%), ileus in 24 (70%), and combined RLQ fluid levels and ileus in 27 (80%). Bowel wall edema was seen in eight patients (23%) and calcified coproliths in six (17%). The presence of RLQ fluid levels or localized ileus or both proved to be the most reliable of the signs.
authors.affiliation: Lady Minto Hospital, Cochrane, Ontario.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Olutola
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal