Rodríguez AD, Araya SC

Language: Spanish
References: 15
Page: 251-253
PDF size: 261.50 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Appendicitis is the acute inflammation of the appendix. The main cause is the obstruction of the appendiceal lumen by fecal matter impact or lymphatic nodule hyperplasia. It’s the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery. It’s more frequent in countries with a diet low in fiber, males, children and young adults. Clinical history includes hyporexia, periumbilical or epigastric colic-type pain that irradiates to the right iliac fossa, fever and vomit. Found at physical examination are Blumberg’s sign, the McBurney point sign, Rovsing’s sign, the psoas sign and the obturator sign. Laboratory findings include leucocytosis, neutrophilia and protein C reactive increase. Atypical presentations are found in 20%-30% of patients. Diagnosis can be made based on clinical history and physical examination, however, it can be problematic. That’s why, US and helical CT have become the radiologic studies of choice in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Compressive US is the initial radiologic study of choice in children, child-bearing age and pregnant women. Thin-section contrast helical CT is the definitive radiologic study of choice for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Definitive treatment is appendectomy and prophylactic treatment is realized with broad spectrum IV antibiotics. Prognosis is excellent, however, it continues to be an emergency and can lead to death, whereby every patient must be studied.

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