Describe the pathological changes of acute appendicitis.
The appendix is inflamed.
The lumen is filled with neutrophils.
The mucosa is ulcerated.
There is inflammation of visceral and parietal peritoneum.
Appendiceal inflammation is associated with obstruction in 50 to 80% of cases (due to fecolith, tumor or ball of worms - Oxyuriasis vermicularis).
What are the potential complications of acute appendicitis?
Perforation (most serious)
Pyelophlebitis with thrombosis of the portal vein
Liver abscess
The appendix is markedly swollen. The serosa is hyperemic and covered by a fibrinous exudate. Compare the inflammed appendix to the adjacent segments of a normal appendix.
