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Role of Abdominal X-ray in Appendicitis

The aetiology of Appendicitis is usually related to luminal obstruction,often by lymphoid hyperplasia or a faecolith.

Radiological features in abdominal X-ray:
• Abdominal X-ray Is neither sensitive nor specific for Appendicitis but can provide clues.
• The presence of a calcified appendicolith in the RLQ ,combined with
abdominal pain,has ahigh positive predictive value for acute appendicitis.
• Other signs are less specific and include caecal wall thickening,small-bowel ileus and decreased small-bowel gas in the RIF.
• Free peritoneal fluid can lead to loss of the psoas out line,loss of the fat planes around the bladder and loss of definition of the inferior liver outline.