Lesson 1Indications and timing for follow-up imaging and use of ultrasound or MRI in equivocal or pregnant patientsThis lesson reviews repeat scan timing, how patient progress decides scan type, and ultrasound or MRI roles in unclear, child, or pregnant cases balancing accuracy, radiation, and contrast safety.
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 lesson links CT findings to antibiotic plans and surgery timing, covering contamination spread, abscess size, infection risk, and choices 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 lesson covers CT signs of severe appendicitis like burst, swelling mass, pus pocket, free air, and bowel block, spotting subtle clues for urgent intervention changes.
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 lesson teaches measuring and describing appendix-area pus collections on CT for size, compartments, gas, bowel links, guiding drain possibility, path, and speed.
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 lesson details belly CT protocols for emergencies with IV/oral contrast timing, phases, and low-radiation tricks keeping good images while cutting 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 lesson outlines clear CT reports for suspected appendix issues, with must-have details, severity levels, key summaries, and practical next actions for quick 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 lesson shows how CT guides choices like antibiotics only, needle drain, or operation, based on pus size, sepsis, patient health, and team discussions.
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 lesson describes main CT signs of appendix inflammation like size, wall swell, glow-up, fat changes, with measure tips and common pitfalls.
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 lesson reviews right lower belly CT anatomy including appendix types, caecum, ileum end, attachments, vessels, and positions affecting diagnosis and surgery.
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 lesson distinguishes appendix inflammation from look-alikes like ileum infection, Meckel pouch, Crohn, fat tag, or right colon pouch using wall, site, fat clues.
Terminal ileitis versus appendicitis on CTCrohn disease activity in the right lower quadrantCT signs of Meckel diverticulitisRecognizing epiploic appendagitisRight-sided colonic diverticulitis features
