Appendicitis pathophysiology
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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
Associated Conditions
Associated conditions of Appendicitis include:
- Intestinal obstruction
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pelvic inflammatory disease and other gynecological disorders
- Intestinal adhesions
- Constipation
Gross Pathology
- 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 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.