Lesson 1Indications and timing for follow-up scans and use of ultrasound or MRI in unclear or pregnant patientsThis part reviews when to repeat scans, how patient changes guide scan type, and roles of ultrasound and MRI in unclear, child, and pregnant cases, balancing benefits, radiation, and contrast safety.
Clinical reasons for repeat scansUltrasound methods in suspected appendicitisMRI methods in pregnancy and childrenBalancing radiation risks and scan benefitsWhen CT is still needed in pregnancyLesson 2Antibiotic and surgery prep considerations from scan findings (e.g., contamination spread, abscess)This part links CT findings to antibiotic and surgery planning, including contamination spread, abscess load, and infection risk, discussing surgery timing, prevention choices, and treatment length based on scan severity.
Scan predictors of heavy contaminationAbscess load and antibiotic typesSurgery timing after infection controlCT guidance for after-surgery preventionScan signs of resistant or unusual infectionsLesson 3CT features of complex appendicitis: perforation, swelling, local abscess, free belly air, and small gut blockageThis part reviews CT features of complex appendicitis, including perforation, swelling, abscess, free air, and small gut blockage, and how to spot subtle signs that change urgency and treatment type.
Direct and indirect perforation signsSeparating swelling from abscessFinding free belly airSmall gut blockage from appendicitisPredictors of after-surgery issuesLesson 4Measurement and description of abscesses around appendix: size, sections, gas, and nearby gut involvementThis part explains measuring and describing abscesses around the appendix on CT, including size, sections, gas, and nearby gut involvement, and how these guide drainage options, paths, and urgency.
Standard abscess size measuresSections, walls, and complexityGas patterns and connection suspicionsNearby gut and organ involvementChoosing patients for needle drainageLesson 5Contrast-enhanced CT methods for acute belly: oral/IV contrast uses, phases, and low-dose waysThis part details contrast CT methods for acute belly pain, covering IV contrast timing, oral contrast uses, phase choices, and low-dose strategies that keep quality while cutting radiation and contrast risks.
IV contrast timing and injection settingsRole of oral contrast in suspected appendicitisSingle vs multiple phase scansLow-dose and rebuild methodsHandling contrast allergy and kidney risksLesson 6Reporting style for belly CT in acute appendicitis: short findings, severity levels, and suggested next stepsThis part outlines a clear CT reporting method for suspected appendicitis, stressing key parts, severity levels, clear summaries, and practical suggestions for timely management.
Key parts of the CT reportStandard severity level systemsClear summary and diagnosis confidencePractical management suggestionsSharing key and surprise findingsLesson 7Procedure radiology and surgery decisions: needs for needle drainage vs. appendix removal vs. antibiotics-first plansThis part explains how CT findings affect choices of antibiotics alone, needle drainage, or surgery, stressing abscess size, infection, other health issues, and team discussions between radiology, surgery, and procedure teams.
CT standards for antibiotics-first treatmentNeeds for needle abscess drainageWhen quick appendix removal is bestScan predictors of treatment failureAfter-procedure scans and issue checksLesson 8Main CT findings of acute appendicitis: appendix width, wall thickening/enhancement, fat changes around appendixThis part describes main CT signs of acute appendicitis, including appendix width, wall thickening, wall enhancement, and fat changes around, with measurement tips and common errors that mimic or hide disease.
Accurate appendix width measurementChecking wall thickening and enhancementDescribing fat changes around appendixBlockage inside, stone, and fluidCommon errors and normal typesLesson 9CT anatomy of right lower belly: appendix types, cecum, end ileum, appendix support, and nearby partsThis part reviews right lower belly anatomy on CT, including cecum, end ileum, appendix support, and blood vessel markers, highlighting common appendix spots and types that affect finding, reading, and surgery planning.
Finding the cecum and ileocecal valveLocating normal appendix on CTBehind-cecum and pelvic appendix spotsAppendix support, vessels, and nodesInborn and after-surgery anatomy typesLesson 10Separating appendicitis from look-alikes: end ileum inflammation, Meckel pouch inflammation, Crohn disease, epiploic tag inflammation, right-side pouch inflammationThis part focuses on CT features that separate appendicitis from main look-alikes, including end ileum inflammation, Crohn disease, Meckel pouch inflammation, epiploic tag inflammation, and right-side pouch inflammation, stressing wall patterns, spots, and fat changes.
End ileum inflammation vs appendicitis on CTCrohn disease activity in right lower bellyCT signs of Meckel pouch inflammationSpotting epiploic tag inflammationRight-side colon pouch inflammation features
