CT can provide detailed imaging of the abdomen and appendix, helping to assess for appendicitis and other causes of abdominal pain. It can also be used to monitor certain conditions and assess response to treatment.
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. If untreated, it can lead to complications such as perforation (rupture), which requires urgent medical treatment.
CT (computed tomography) scans use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. These images can provide detailed views of bones, blood vessels, soft tissues and organs, helping radiologists assess a wide range of conditions without the need for invasive procedures.
During a CT scan, you lie on a table that moves through a circular scanner. The scanner captures images from multiple angles, which are then reconstructed into detailed cross-sectional images for interpretation by a specialist radiologist. The scan itself is usually very quick, although the overall appointment time can vary depending on the type of examination.
For suspected appendicitis, CT can provide detailed images of the abdomen and appendix, helping to identify inflammation and assess for complications such as perforation. The findings are interpreted by the radiologist and provided to the referring doctor to help guide appropriate clinical management.
CT can be particularly useful when rapid and detailed assessment of the abdomen is required. For suspected appendicitis, imaging may help clarify the diagnosis and identify complications that require urgent treatment.
Appendicitis can worsen quickly and may lead to serious complications if the appendix perforates. Prompt medical assessment is important when appendicitis is suspected.
Common symptoms of appendicitis include:
• Abdominal pain, often beginning around the belly button and moving to the lower right side of the abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever or chills
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Difficulty passing gas
• Abdominal swelling or tenderness
Pain is the most common symptom and often becomes progressively worse. It may be aggravated by movement, coughing or pressure on the abdomen.
CT can provide detailed images of the appendix and surrounding abdomen, helping to assess for appendicitis and identify complications such as perforation. The need for imaging and the most appropriate examination will depend on the individual clinical circumstances.
If your CT scan is planned in advance, we’ll let you know if any preparation is required. Depending on the type of CT examination, this may include fasting for a period before your appointment or taking medication as directed.
For an urgent CT for suspected appendicitis, there may be little or no preparation required. Our radiology team will guide you through the examination and let you know if there is anything you need to do before your scan.
Before your CT, please tell us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, have any allergies, take regular medications, or have medical conditions such as kidney or thyroid problems, asthma or diabetes. This information helps our team determine the most appropriate examination and ensure your scan is performed safely.
When you arrive at MBR Health, our radiographer will explain the examination and help you get comfortably positioned on the CT table. Depending on the examination, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove items that could interfere with the images.
For some CT examinations, intravenous contrast may be required to provide additional information and improve visualisation of certain structures. If contrast is used, you may briefly experience a warm or flushed sensation, a metallic taste or a sensation similar to passing urine. These sensations are usually short lived.
You’ll lie still on the CT table as it moves through the scanner. Our radiographer will operate the scanner from the adjacent control room and remain in communication with you throughout the examination. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly while images are acquired.
The length of your appointment will depend on the type of CT examination and whether contrast is required. The actual image acquisition is very quick, with the scan itself often taking only seconds.
Once the scan is complete, you can get up and continue with your day. Your images will be reviewed and reported by a specialist radiologist, with the report provided to your referring doctor.
CT scans are a quick, non-invasive way to obtain detailed images of the appendix and surrounding abdominal structures. They can help assess for appendicitis and identify complications such as perforation, as well as other possible causes of abdominal pain.
The scan itself is very quick, although the total appointment time will depend on the examination and whether intravenous contrast is required.
At MBR Health, your CT images are reviewed and reported by a specialist radiologist. The report is then provided to your referring doctor to help guide your ongoing care.
CT is a highly accurate imaging examination for assessing suspected acute appendicitis. It provides detailed images of the appendix and surrounding abdominal structures, helping our specialist radiologists identify inflammation and assess for complications such as perforation.
The accuracy of CT can vary depending on the imaging protocol and individual patient circumstances, which is why the examination is interpreted by our specialist radiologist in conjunction with the clinical information provided by your doctor.
CT scans are considered a safe and well-established imaging examination. As with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks, which our team will consider before your examination.
If intravenous contrast is required, some people may experience a temporary warm or flushed sensation, a metallic taste or other mild reactions. Serious allergic reactions are uncommon, but it is important to tell us about any previous reactions to contrast media or known allergies before your scan. If you feel unwell during the examination, our radiographer will be available to assist you.
CT uses ionising radiation. We use dose-appropriate CT protocols to obtain the diagnostic information required while keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
For suspected appendicitis, the benefits and risks of CT will be considered in the context of your clinical situation. Your referring doctor can discuss whether CT is appropriate for you based on your symptoms and medical history.