Appendicular abscess
Updates to Article Attributes
Appendicular abscess is considered the most common complication of acute appendicitis, in particular after a perforated appendix.
Radiographic features
Appendicular abscesses can arise either in the peritoneal cavity or the retroperitoneal space.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is the first investigation advised to evaluate a suspected appendicular pathology. Findings of an appendicular abscess include:
- fluid collection (hypoechoic) in the appendicular region which may be well circumscribed and rounded or ill-defined and irregular in appearance
- appendix may be visualised within the mass
CT
Fluid collection is seen in the appendicular region with or without air within. Many times an appendicolith may be visualized.
Treatment and prognosis
Previously it was believed that early surgical intervention increases the mortality in patients with appendicular abscess and hence the well known Ochsner Sherren regime was followed. But with better antibiotics and expertise of surgeons and anaesthesiologists, now early diagnostic laparoscopy followed by drainage of the abscess is preferred. If the abscess is large (> 4 cm), percutaneous drainage followed by delayed appendectomy is considered the preferred treatment 4.
-<p><strong>Appendicular abscess</strong> is considered the most common complication of <a href="/articles/appendicitis">acute appendicitis</a>, in particular after a <a href="/articles/perforated-appendix">perforated appendix</a>. </p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><p>Appendicular abscesses can arise either in the <a href="/articles/peritoneum">peritoneal cavity</a> or the <a href="/articles/retroperitoneum">retroperitoneal space</a>.</p><h5>Ultrasound</h5><p>Ultrasound is the first investigation advised to evaluate a suspected appendicular pathology. Findings of an appendicular abscess include:</p><ul>- +<p><strong>Appendicular abscess</strong> is considered the most common complication of <a href="/articles/appendicitis-2">acute appendicitis</a>, in particular after a <a href="/articles/perforated-appendix">perforated appendix</a>. </p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><p>Appendicular abscesses can arise either in the <a href="/articles/peritoneum">peritoneal cavity</a> or the <a href="/articles/retroperitoneum">retroperitoneal space</a>.</p><h5>Ultrasound</h5><p>Ultrasound is the first investigation advised to evaluate a suspected appendicular pathology. Findings of an appendicular abscess include:</p><ul>
Image 2 Ultrasound (Oblique) ( update )
Image 5 CT (C+ portal venous phase) ( create )
Image 8 CT (C+ portal venous phase) ( update )
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