Acute appendicitis revisited: computed tomography and ultrasound scan are they necessary to establish a diagnosis?

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common and challenging disease. It represents one of the most common emergency surgical diseases encountered worldwide. It affects more than 250,000 people annually. It is globally rated as number one acute surgical emergency. The gold-standard for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis remains to be a properly taken history and a thoroughly conducted physical examination. However, recently Computed Tomography (CT) and Ultrasound Scan (USS) have been described as accurate diagnostic modalities in patients suspected to have acute appendicitis. Yet the role of CT scan in patients suspected to have acute appendicitis, but with equivocal clinical picture remains ill defined.