Lesson 1Indications and timing for follow-up imaging and use of ultrasound or MRI in equivocal or pregnant patientsThis part reviews when to do repeat scans, how patient changes guide scan type, and roles of ultrasound and MRI for unclear, child, or pregnant cases, balancing benefits, radiation, and contrast safety in local settings.
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 links CT results with antibiotic and surgery planning, covering contamination spread, abscess size, sepsis risk, surgery timing, prevention choices, and treatment length based on scan severity levels.
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 complex appendicitis, like breaks, swelling mass, abscess, free air, and bowel block, and spotting small signs that change how urgent and what type of treatment is needed.
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 explains measuring and describing abscesses around the appendix on CT, including size, sections, gas, and nearby bowel effects, and how these guide drainage options, paths, and speed of action.
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 methods for sudden belly pain, covering IV timing, oral use, phase choices, and low-dose ways to keep good images while cutting radiation and contrast risks in Zambian facilities.
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 a clear CT report style for possible appendicitis, stressing must-have parts, severity levels, strong summary statements, and useful suggestions for quick and right treatment choices.
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 affect choices for antibiotics only, needle drainage, or surgery, focusing on abscess size, sepsis, other health issues, and team talks between radiology, surgery, and procedure experts.
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 width, wall swelling, brightening, and fat changes around it, with measuring tips and traps that look like or hide the problem.
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 lower right belly anatomy on CT, including large intestine start, end small bowel, appendix support, blood paths, and common appendix spots and changes that affect spotting 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 focuses on CT features to tell appendicitis from similar issues like end small bowel swelling, Meckel pouch inflammation, Crohn illness, fat tag swelling, and right-side pouch problems, stressing wall look, spot, 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
