Published online before print February 28, 2003, 10.1148/radiol.2272020223
(Radiology 2003;227:46.)
A more recent version of this article appeared on April 1, 2003
Differentiation of Perforated from Nonperforated Appendicitis at CT1
Mindy M. Horrow, MD,
Denise S. White, DO and
Jay C. Horrow, MD, MS
1 From the Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19141 (M.M.H., D.S.W.); and Department of Anesthesiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H.). From the 2001 RSNA scientific assembly. Received March 7, 2002; revision requested April 26; final revision received July 19; accepted August 17. Address correspondence to M.M.H. (e-mail: horrowm@einstein.edu).

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Figure 1a. Transverse CT images obtained with oral and intravenous contrast medium in a 14-year-old girl with perforated appendicitis. (a) CT image demonstrates a 17-mm appendix (arrow) with an intraluminal air-fluid level and a surrounding abscess (A). The enhancing appendiceal wall is intact at this level. (b) CT image obtained more inferiorly demonstrates a break in the enhancing wall (arrows) and extraluminal air.
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Figure 1b. Transverse CT images obtained with oral and intravenous contrast medium in a 14-year-old girl with perforated appendicitis. (a) CT image demonstrates a 17-mm appendix (arrow) with an intraluminal air-fluid level and a surrounding abscess (A). The enhancing appendiceal wall is intact at this level. (b) CT image obtained more inferiorly demonstrates a break in the enhancing wall (arrows) and extraluminal air.
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Figure 2a. Transverse CT images obtained with oral and intravenous contrast medium in a 50-year-old woman with perforated appendicitis. (a) CT image demonstrates a 13-mm appendix with an intact, enhancing wall (arrow) and an adjacent phlegmon (P). (b) CT image obtained just inferiorly demonstrates a defect in the enhancing appendiceal wall (arrow) and the adjacent phlegmon (P).
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Figure 2b. Transverse CT images obtained with oral and intravenous contrast medium in a 50-year-old woman with perforated appendicitis. (a) CT image demonstrates a 13-mm appendix with an intact, enhancing wall (arrow) and an adjacent phlegmon (P). (b) CT image obtained just inferiorly demonstrates a defect in the enhancing appendiceal wall (arrow) and the adjacent phlegmon (P).
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Figure 3. Transverse CT image obtained with oral and intravenous contrast medium in a 46-year-old man with perforated appendicitis. Image demonstrates an appendicolith (arrow) almost extruded through the enhancing appendiceal wall.
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Copyright © 2003 by the Radiological Society of North America.