[en] To assess the efficacy and utility of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of appendicitis, and to evaluate the reliability of CT findings in right iliac fossa in the confirmation or exclusion of this diagnosis. Over a one-year period, 152 patients presenting clinical signs of appendicitis underwent CT scans. The images were reviewed by two radiologists who considered whether the appendix was normal or enlarged and the existence of other signs of appendicitis for the purpose of determining whether or not the patient presented appendicitis. The definitive diagnoses were established by surgery or by clinical follow-up. The sensitivity of CT for the diagnosis of appendicitis was 81.8%, the specificity was 95.3%, the positive predictive value was 93.1%, the negative predictive value was 87.2% and the reliability was 89.9%. The signs of appendicitis observed were: appendicoliths (sensitivity 30.3% and specificity 98.8%), fluid collections (sensitivity 19.7%, specificity 96.5%), cecal enlargement (sensitivity 21.2%, specificity 97.7%), inflammation of pericecal fat (sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 90.7%), fascial thickening (sensitivity 48.5%, specificity 91.9%) and an appendix measuring more than 6 mm (sensitivity 78.8%, specificity 94.3%). Adenopathy and free peritoneal fluid were not significantly related to appendicitis. The presence of a normal appendix filled with air or contrast material had an elevated negative predictive value with respect to appendicitis. In 35 of the 94 cases with negative CT scans, the images suggested alternative diagnoses. CT is a highly reliable diagnostic method for appendicitis. The observation of an appendix filled with air or contrast material has an elevated negative predictive value. The presence of appendicoliths has an elevated positive predictive value. (Author) 29 refs