Appendicitis on ultrasound – the first step is to identify the appendix by finding a blind-ending tubular structure arising from the base of the cecum.
The sonographic signs of appendicitis include:
- dilated appendix > 6mm outer diameter (left image)
- noncompressible
- distinct appendiceal wall layers due to edema (left image)
- target appearance (axial section)
- appendicolith – an echogenic focus with posterior shadowing
- periappendiceal fluid collection (right image)
- echogenic and prominent periappendiceal and pericecal fat
- surrounding hypervascularity on color Doppler (centre image)
Credit: http://radiologysigns.tumblr.com/post/29603927330/appendicitis-on-ultrasound