Appendicitis Flashcards
what is appendicitis
inflammation of the appendix
function of the appendix
acts as a storehouse for good bacteria, “rebooting” the digestive system after diarrheal illnesses
epidemiology
most common cause of surgical emergency, can occur at any age but is more common among 10-20 year olds
causes (aetiology) of appendicitis
bacteria and microorganisms from the gut invade the appendix wall after the lumen has been obstructed. this can then lead to oedema, ischaemic necrosis and perforation
what can cause lumen obstruction
lymphoid hyperplasia, faecolith and filarial worms
what is faecolith
compacted mass of faeces
presenting symptoms of appendicitis
tachycardia, fever, furred tongue, RIF pain, lying still, coughing hurts, shallow breathing
what are signs in the right iliac fossa (RIF) that will be seen
rebound and percussion tenderness. Guarding
what are the 3 special signs seen on examination in appendicitis
rovsings sign, psoas sign and copes sign
rovsings sign
palpation of the left iliac fossa generates more pain in the RIF compared to the left
psoas sign
pain upon hip extension
cope sign
pain when flexing and internally rotating the hip
what investigations will be done
bloods, ultrasound and CT scans
what investigation has the highest diagnostic accuracy
CT
what do you expect to see from bloods
high WCC and high CRP
