Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and is a common cause of abdominal pain that may require urgent treatment.
When to get help quickly: Appendicitis can be urgent. Worsening abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or marked tenderness should be assessed quickly.
Common symptoms
Symptoms often start with abdominal pain that may move to the lower right side, along with nausea, vomiting, fever, poor appetite, or pain that gets worse with movement.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when the diagnosis is uncertain, when the symptoms could have another cause, or when doctors need to look for complications such as perforation or abscess.
What radiology does
Ultrasound and CT are commonly used to help confirm the diagnosis and look for complications such as perforation or abscess.
What usually happens next
Management may include surgery and antibiotics, with the exact approach depending on severity and complications.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- CT AbdomenA CT Abdomen scan uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs including the liver, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, intestines, and blood vessels.
- Abdominal UltrasoundAn Abdominal Ultrasound examines the major organs in your belly, such as your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. This quick test paints a picture of your digestive and filtration organs using sound waves.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan – General FAQsEverything patients commonly ask about CT scans — what to expect, how long it takes, and whether it's safe.