CT findings of periappendiceal abscesses

CT has been widely used in the diagnosis of intra-abdominal abscesses, but its findings of periappendiceal abscesses are not well known. CT findings of 15 cases of periappendiceal abscesses were analyzed retrospectively. The results were as follows; 1.The most prevalent age groups were 5th. and 6th. decades and a male to female ratio was 7:8. 2.CT findings of periappendiceal abscesses were cystic low density mass in 7 cases (46.5%), solid soft tissue mass in 2 patients (13.5%) and mixed density mass in 6 cases (40%). 3.Associated CT findings were fat plane obliteration in 12 cases (80%), fascial thickening in 10 cases (66%), enhancing wall in 7 cases (46.5%), internal air density in 5 cases (33%), cecal wall thickening in 3 cases (20%) and ascites in 2 cases (13.5%). 4.Abscess was localized in RLQ medial to cecum in 10 cases (66%), extended to posterior pararenal space in 2 cases (13.5%), pelvic cavity in 2 cases (13.5%) and RUQ in 1 case (7%). We think that CT is an useful diagnostic method of periappendiceal abscesses especially when clinical findings are atypical