HomeAnswersInternal Medicineabdominal painCan a CT scan miss appendicitis?

Could CT scan miss appendicitis?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 17, 2017
Reviewed AtJanuary 5, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I was in an emergency last night because of 48 hours of pain that moved to my right lower abdomen. Also, I am not eating, and I have severe diarrhea if I do. They said my white blood cells were a bit elevated. The CT scan without contrast did not show an inflamed appendix. Now it is the next day, and the pain is still there along with a burning kind of feel. What could be the problem? Can a CT scan miss appendicitis?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Is the CT 100% accurate? When should I seek medical care if this continues?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Yes, CT scan is very accurate for diagnosis of appendicitis.
  • You should seek medical care if there is a fever of above 101 degrees, stool that contains blood or mucus, blood in urine, vomiting of blood, pain spreading to back or groin, painful urination or persistent nausea and vomiting.

For further information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Salah Saad Hassan Shoman
Dr. Salah Saad Hassan Shoman

Internal Medicine

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