Appendicitis pathophysiology: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
==Pathophysiology== | |||
# On the basis of experimental evidence, acute appendicitis seems to be the end result of a primary obstruction of the appendix [[lumen]]<ref> Wangensteen OH, Bowers WF. Significance of the obstructive factor in the genesis of acute appendicitis. Arch Surg 1937;34:496-526 </ref><ref> Pieper R, Kager L, Tidefelt U.Obstruction of appendix vermiformis causing acute appendicitis: An experimental study in rabbit. Acta Chir Scand 1982;148:63-72 </ref>. | |||
# Once this obstruction occurs, the appendix subsequently becomes filled with mucus and distends, increasing intraluminal and intramural pressures. | |||
# The increase in pressure leads to [[thrombosis]] and [[occlusion]] of the small vessels, and the stasis of lymphatic flow. | |||
# As these clots and blockages progress, the appendix becomes [[ischemic]] and then [[necrotic]]. | |||
# Rarely, spontaneous recovery can occur at this point. As bacteria begin to leak out through the dying walls, pus forms within and around the appendix ([[suppuration]]). | |||
# The end result of this cascade is appendiceal rupture causing [[peritonitis]], which may lead to [[septicemia]] and eventually death. | |||
==Associated Conditions== | ==Associated Conditions== | ||
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* Intestinal adhesions | * Intestinal adhesions | ||
* [[Constipation]] | * [[Constipation]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 14:43, 13 August 2012
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Appendicitis Microchapters |
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Appendicitis On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Appendicitis |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Pathophysiology
- On the basis of experimental evidence, acute appendicitis seems to be the end result of a primary obstruction of the appendix lumen[1][2].
- Once this obstruction occurs, the appendix subsequently becomes filled with mucus and distends, increasing intraluminal and intramural pressures.
- The increase in pressure leads to thrombosis and occlusion of the small vessels, and the stasis of lymphatic flow.
- As these clots and blockages progress, the appendix becomes ischemic and then necrotic.
- Rarely, spontaneous recovery can occur at this point. As bacteria begin to leak out through the dying walls, pus forms within and around the appendix (suppuration).
- The end result of this cascade is appendiceal rupture causing peritonitis, which may lead to septicemia and eventually death.
Associated Conditions
Associated conditions of Appendicitis include:
- Intestinal obstruction
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pelvic inflammatory disease and other gynecological disorders
- Intestinal adhesions
- Constipation