Rare benign and malignant appendiceal lesions: spectrum of computed tomography findings with pathologic correlation

Abstract

Although acute appendicitis is the most common disease of the appendix, the appendix can be involved by a wide range of diseases. Diseases other than acute appendicitis may produce signs and symptoms indistinguishable from those of acute appendicitis. Computed tomography (CT) can provide important information for diagnosis and evaluation of appendiceal diseases. The various CT and histologic features of appendiceal benign and neoplastic diseases are discussed, illustrated, and correlated in this article. Radiologists need to understand the full spectrum of appendiceal abnormalities, their underlying pathologic changes, and associated CT imaging findings.