Acute Appendicitis

Question 1

Acute Appendicitis Etiology?

Answer 1

Caused by obstruction of the appendix by a fecalith, inflammation, foreign body, or neoplasm

Question 2

Acute Appendicitis Epidemiology?

Answer 2

1. Peak incidence is between 10 and 30 years of age

2. Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency, affecting 10% of population.

Question 3

Acute Appendicitis Gross fx?

Answer 3

Red, swollen appendix with fibrinous exudate

Question 4

Acute Appendicitis Histo fx?

Answer 4

1. Neutrophilic infiltrate extending through to muscularis;
2. abscess formation;
3. ulcerations;
4. congested vasculature

Question 5

Acute Appendicitis clinical signs?

Answer 5

Vague periumbilical pain that later localizes to Right Lower Quadrant pain;

fever;

anorexia;

nausea;

vomiting;

psoas sign (pain on passive extension of right hip);

obturator sign (pain with passive flexion and internal rotation of right hip)

Question 6

Acute Appendicitis complications?

Answer 6

gangrene and perforation leading to peritonitis

Question 7

Acute Appendicitis lab findings?

Answer 7

Leukocytosis