CT of appendicitis. Diagnosis and treatment.

CT may provide valuable information in patients with appendicitis whose clinical presentations are atypical. The abnormal appendix and inflammatory changes in the pericecal fat are shown directly rather than inferentially. CT can reliably distinguish phlegmonous inflammation from a liquified abscess and can accurately delineate the full extent of such inflammatory masses. Percutaneous catheter drainage of well-localized appendiceal abscesses under CT guidance is safe and effective and has a lower morbidity than surgical drainage.