MR offers different option for pregnant appendicitis patients

November 1, 2008 Diagnostic Imaging. Vol. 30 No. 11 MR offers different option for pregnant appendicitis patients CT and ultrasound lose ground as first-response modalities because of radiation concerns and lack of anatomical detail Diagnosing pregnant women suspected of appendicitis is tricky business. Often the enlarged uterus will displace the appendix, making it hard to find with ultrasound. Using CT because the physician can't see the appendix on ultrasound raises the issue of fetal radiation exposure. These problems are pushing many physicians to MR. Acute appendicitis occurs in approximately one in 1500 pregnancies, according to one study, and it is one of the leading indications for surgery in pregnancy (Mil Med 1999;164:671-674). Researchers in another study found that acute appendicitis complicates approximately one in 766 pregnancies (Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1999;78:758-762).

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