Lesson 1Indications and timing for follow-up imaging and use of ultrasound or MRI in equivocal or pregnant patientsThis part reviews repeat imaging needs, how symptoms guide modality selection, and ultrasound/MRI roles in unclear, child, or pregnant cases, weighing benefits against radiation and contrast risks.
Clinical triggers for repeat imagingUltrasound technique in suspected appendicitisMRI protocols in pregnancy and pediatricsBalancing radiation risk and diagnostic yieldWhen CT remains necessary in pregnancyLesson 2Antibiotic and perioperative considerations tied to imaging findings (e.g., extent of contamination, abscess)This part ties CT findings to antibiotic and surgery planning, including contamination spread, abscess size, sepsis danger, surgery timing, prevention options, and treatment length based on scan severity.
Imaging predictors of severe contaminationAbscess burden and antibiotic spectrumTiming of surgery after source controlCT guidance for postoperative prophylaxisImaging clues to resistant or atypical infectionLesson 3CT features of complicated appendicitis: perforation, phlegmon, localized abscess, free intraperitoneal air, and small-bowel obstructionThis part reviews CT signs of complicated appendicitis, like perforation, phlegmon, abscess, free air, and bowel blockage, and spotting subtle clues that change intervention speed and type.
Direct and indirect signs of perforationDistinguishing phlegmon from abscessDetection of free intraperitoneal airSmall-bowel obstruction related to appendicitisPredictors of postoperative complicationsLesson 4Measurement and characterization of periappendiceal abscesses: size, loculation, gas, and adjacent bowel involvementThis part shows how to measure and describe periappendiceal abscesses on CT, covering size, compartments, gas, and nearby bowel effects, guiding drainage options, paths, and urgency.
Standardized abscess size measurementsLoculation, septations, and complexityGas patterns and fistula suspicionAdjacent bowel and organ involvementSelecting candidates for percutaneous drainageLesson 5Contrast-enhanced CT protocols for acute abdomen: oral/IV contrast considerations, phases, and low-dose techniquesThis part details contrast CT protocols for acute abdomen, including IV timing, oral contrast uses, phase choices, and low-dose methods that keep quality high while cutting radiation and contrast risks.
IV contrast timing and injection parametersRole of oral contrast in suspected appendicitisSingle versus multiphasic acquisition choicesLow-dose and iterative reconstruction methodsManaging contrast allergy and renal riskLesson 6Reporting format for abdominal CT in acute appendicitis: concise findings, severity grading, and recommended next stepsThis part outlines structured CT reporting for suspected appendicitis, stressing must-have parts, severity levels, clear summaries, and practical advice for quick, suitable care.
Essential elements of the CT reportStandardized severity grading systemsClear impression and diagnostic certaintyActionable management recommendationsCommunicating critical and unexpected findingsLesson 7Interventional radiology and surgical decision-making: indications for percutaneous drainage vs. appendectomy vs. antibiotics-first strategiesThis part explains how CT results shape choices for antibiotics only, drainage procedures, or surgery, focusing on abscess size, sepsis, health issues, and team discussions among radiology, surgery, and interventions.
CT criteria for antibiotics-first therapyIndications for percutaneous abscess drainageWhen urgent appendectomy is preferredImaging predictors of treatment failurePost-procedure imaging and complication checksLesson 8Primary CT findings of acute appendicitis: appendiceal diameter, wall thickening/enhancement, periappendiceal fat strandingThis part describes main CT signs of acute appendicitis, like appendix size, wall swelling, enhancement, and fat changes around it, with measurement methods and errors that may confuse or hide the condition.
Measuring appendiceal diameter accuratelyAssessing wall thickening and enhancementCharacterizing periappendiceal fat strandingLuminal obstruction, fecalith, and fluidCommon pitfalls and normal variantsLesson 9CT anatomy of the right lower quadrant: appendix variants, cecum, terminal ileum, mesoappendix, and adjacent structuresThis part reviews right lower quadrant CT anatomy, including cecum, terminal ileum, mesoappendix, blood vessels, and nearby parts, noting common appendix locations and variations affecting detection and surgery plans.
Identifying the cecum and ileocecal valveLocating the normal appendix on CTRetrocecal and pelvic appendix positionsMesoappendix, vessels, and lymph nodesCongenital and postsurgical anatomic variantsLesson 10Differentiating appendicitis from mimics: terminal ileitis, Meckel diverticulitis, Crohn disease, epiploic appendagitis, right-sided diverticulitisThis part highlights CT features separating appendicitis from mimics like terminal ileitis, Crohn disease, Meckel diverticulitis, epiploic appendagitis, and right-sided diverticulitis, focusing on wall patterns, sites, and fat shifts.
Terminal ileitis versus appendicitis on CTCrohn disease activity in the right lower quadrantCT signs of Meckel diverticulitisRecognizing epiploic appendagitisRight-sided colonic diverticulitis features
