ABSITE: APPENDIX EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
Question:
1. What symptom of appendicitis usually presents first?
Answer:
anorexia, then pain, then nausea.
Question:
2. What are sensitivities and specificities of US and CT for appendicitis?
Answer:
US: Sensitivity 75-90%, Specificity 86-100%; CT: Sensitivity 90-100%, specificity
91-99%
Question:
3. Appendix blood supply
Answer:
Appendiceal artery, branches from ileocolic
Question:
4. 4 High yield facts about appendicitis in pregnant females?
Answer:
Incidence is same as non-pregnant women. Maternal mortality is 0.5%. Fetal mortality is
2-8% if non-ruptured, 35% if ruptured. 50% chance of inducing labor in 3rd trimester.
Question:
5. Symptoms of carcinoid syndrome?
Answer:
wheezing, flushing, RHD, diarrhea
Question:
6. mass at the base of the appendix. Next step in management?
Answer:
Right hemicolectomy.
Question:
7. What CT findings suggest appendicitis?
Answer:
Appendiceal diameter > 6 mm; RLQ fat stranding; Lack of appendiceal filling with
contrast; Presence of fecalith
Question:
8. When should you not perform an appendectomy on exploration for suspected
appendicitis?
Answer:
If the appendix appears normal and there is terminal ileitis involving the cecum and the
base of the appendix.
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
Question:
1. What symptom of appendicitis usually presents first?
Answer:
anorexia, then pain, then nausea.
Question:
2. What are sensitivities and specificities of US and CT for appendicitis?
Answer:
US: Sensitivity 75-90%, Specificity 86-100%; CT: Sensitivity 90-100%, specificity
91-99%
Question:
3. Appendix blood supply
Answer:
Appendiceal artery, branches from ileocolic
Question:
4. 4 High yield facts about appendicitis in pregnant females?
Answer:
Incidence is same as non-pregnant women. Maternal mortality is 0.5%. Fetal mortality is
2-8% if non-ruptured, 35% if ruptured. 50% chance of inducing labor in 3rd trimester.
Question:
5. Symptoms of carcinoid syndrome?
Answer:
wheezing, flushing, RHD, diarrhea
Question:
6. mass at the base of the appendix. Next step in management?
Answer:
Right hemicolectomy.
Question:
7. What CT findings suggest appendicitis?
Answer:
Appendiceal diameter > 6 mm; RLQ fat stranding; Lack of appendiceal filling with
contrast; Presence of fecalith
Question:
8. When should you not perform an appendectomy on exploration for suspected
appendicitis?
Answer:
If the appendix appears normal and there is terminal ileitis involving the cecum and the
base of the appendix.
