Appendicitis pathophysiology: Difference between revisions
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# The end result of this cascade is appendiceal rupture causing [[peritonitis]], which may lead to [[septicemia]] and eventually death. | # The end result of this cascade is appendiceal rupture causing [[peritonitis]], which may lead to [[septicemia]] and eventually death. | ||
==Associated Conditions== | ===Associated Conditions=== | ||
Associated conditions of appendicitis include: | Associated conditions of appendicitis include: | ||
* [[Intestinal obstruction]] | * [[Intestinal obstruction]] | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
[[Category:Primary care]] | |||
[[Category:emergency medicine]] | |||
[[Category:Inflammations]] | |||
[[Category:Medical emergencies]] | |||
[[Category:General surgery]] | |||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | |||
[[Category:Disease]] | |||
{{WH}} | |||
{{WS}} | |||
Revision as of 19:21, 6 February 2013
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Appendicitis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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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
Appendicitis is caused by the obstruction of the tubular space inside the appendix. This initial problem is compounded into a cascade of events that lead to the inflammation of the appendix and the obstruction of the blood vessels supplying it, and infection. Once these blood vessels are obstructed, appendiceal tissue starts to die and leak out its cellular components. If the disease is not treated, eventually the appendix will rupture and can lead to death.
Pathophysiology
- On the basis of experimental evidence, acute appendicitis seems to be the end result of a primary obstruction of the appendiceal lumen[1][2].
- Once this obstruction occurs, the appendix subsequently becomes filled with mucus and distends, causing increased intraluminal and intramural pressures.
- The increase in pressure leads to thrombosis and occlusion of the small vessels, and 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