Q. Will appendicitis show up on a CT scan?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Yes, appendicitis typically shows up on a CT scan. It's important to note that the diagnosis of appendicitis doesn't always require CT scanning; however, if symptoms persist and a physician suspects the presence of appendicitis, then a CT scan is usually ordered as part of confirming the diagnosis.

When someone has suspected appendicitis, but only mildly so, it is possible for them to go through a series of tests before receiving an official diagnosis. This can include blood work for white blood cell count and C-Reactive Protein levels as well as imaging like abdominal ultrasound or MRI scans. However in more severe cases where it is strongly suspected that one may have an inflamed appendix due to ongoing pain or discomfort and swollen abdomen area then often times doctors will require an immediate CT scan in order to properly diagnose what precisely is going on with the patient’s body and decide how best treat them accordingly from there (e.g., antibiotics or surgical removal).

On a CT (Computerized Tomography) Scan one may be able to see evidence of ‘free fluid’ around their appendix as evidenced by increased radiodensity alongside any potential evidence swelling which could lead physicians down the right path towards diagnosing this condition affecting many individuals each year accurately and efficiently. Free fluid refers to some kind of ‘escape’ liquid surrounding organs – generally harming its function – that radiologists look out for on scanning images since its presence can suggest either infection (in this case possibly appendicitis) or some kind of trauma such as physical injury leading medical professionals in better directions when forming diagnoses based on what they are witnessing through these special technologies used relentlessly by hospitals all over world today!

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