J Korean Radiol Soc.  1989 Aug;25(4):530-537. 10.3348/jkrs.1989.25.4.530.

Computed tomography and periappendiceal abscess in the elderly

• Kim H
• Kim JS
• Kim OB
• Woo SK
• Suh SJ

• KMID: 2359074
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1989.25.4.530

Abstract

CT is useful for the elderly patient in whom the diagnosis of periappendiceal abscess has not been suspectedclinically due to an atypical clinical presentation. CT findings and its clinical applicability of periappendiceal abscesses were reviewed retrospectively in 11 patients older than 40 years. The correct diagnosis was possible clinically in 4 patients (36%). The CT findings were mainly cystic (45%) or mixed (36%) masses, which were located inferomedially to cecum (55), or medially to right-sided colon(27%). The common associated findings were adjacentperitoneal and intestinal thickenings, mesenteric and/or omental infiltrations in most of the cases, and retroperitoneal extension of the inflammatory process(55%). However there were five false-positive diagnsoes inpatients wtih a fluid-filled cecum, a noncomplicated acute appendicitis, and three chronic inflammatory diseasesof the pericecal area. CT has the potential advantage of directly imaging the periappendiceal inflammation with afull assessment of the nature, localization and extension of the abscesses, and may guide percutanous drainage ofabsceses as an alternative to surgical drainage.

MeSH Terms

Abscess*
Aged*
Appendicitis
Cecum
Diagnosis
Drainage
Humans
Inflammation
Inpatients
Retrospective Studies