Definitions

acute inflammation of the vermiform appendix

appendicitis with no evidence of an appendiceal fecalith, an appendiceal tumor, or complications, such as perforation, gangrene, abscess, or mass

appendicitis associated with perforation, gangrene, abscess, an inflammatory mass, an appendiceal fecalith (concretion of feces that develops in the appendix that can obstruct the appendiceal lumen), or an appendiceal tumor

• Common cause of acute abdomen

• Lifetime risk: ∼ 8%

• Peak incidence: 10–19 years of age [3]

• Sex: ♂ > ♀