Faecal loading in the cecum as a new radiological sign of acute appendicitis

Purpose Although the radiological features of acute appendicitis have been well documented, the value of the plain radiography has not been fully appreciated. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the association of acute appendicitis and images of faecal loading in the cecum. Methods Plain abdominal radiographs of 100 consecutive adult patients operated on acute appendicitis were assessed. The presence of faecal loading was registered. Results The presence of faecal loading in the cecum occurred in 97 of the cases of acute appendicitis. Conclusion This study seems to demonstrate that the presence of radiological images of faecal loading in the cecum may be a useful sign of acute appendicitis. (C) 2004 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.