Perforated Appendicitis: Assessment With Multidetector Computed Tomography

Appendicitis is one of the most common abdominal surgical emergencies. In some cases, the correct diagnosis may be challenging, owing to different conditions that can mimic this pathology. In this context, abdominal computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice, leading to an accurate diagnosis and to a reduction in unnecessary laparotomies. The diagnosis of perforated appendix is crucial, but the detection of the perforation signs by CT may not be so simple in the early process. The aim of this article is to review the multiple detector CT signs of perforated appendicitis.