Value of 16-slice Spiral CT in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

[Objective] To study the diagnostic value of 16-slice spiral CT for acute appendicitis.[Methods] The CT findings of acute appendicitis, proved by clinical operation, were retrospectively analyzed with technology of maximum intensity projection (MIP) and curve intensity projection(CPR). The size, shape, and changes in periappendiceal fat were observed.[Results]Of 58 cases, 56 cases were accurately diagnosed: acute appendicitis in 24 cases (42.86%), acute appendicitis with periappendicitis in 25(44.64%), appendiceal abscess in 6(10.71%), and inflammatory mass in 1(1.79%). The direct features of acute appendicitis included enlarged appendix (diameter of 6 mm) and appendicular lithiasis; indirect features included periappendicitis, appendiceal abscess, inflammatory mass, thickened wall of bottom of caecum and regional glandular enlargement.[Conclusion]The examination of 16-slice spiral CT can diagnose acute appendicitis rapidly and accurately, and find out other pathological changes except appendicitis.