Appendicitis at the millennium

Acute appendicitis is a common clinical problem. Accurate and prompt diagno sis is essential to minimize morbidity. While the clinical diagnosis may be straightforward in patients who present with classic signs and symptoms, a typical presentations may result in diagnostic confusion and delay in treat ment. Helical computed tomography (CT) and graded compression color Doppler ultrasonography (US) are highly accurate means of establishing the diagnos is. These imaging modalities have now assumed critical roles in the treatme nt of patients suspected to have appendicitis. The purpose of this article is threefold: to provide an update on new information regarding the pathoph ysiology, clinical diagnosis, and laparoscopic treatment of acute appendici tis; to describe the state-of-the art use of CT and US in diagnosing this d isease entity; and to address the role of medical imaging in this patient p opulation.