Purpose or Case Report: Abdominal pain is common presentation to the pediatric emergency department, and appendicitis remains the most common pediatric surgical emergency. While the imaging workup of pediatric appendicitis typically begins with ultrasound, MRI is increasingly being used for problem-solving and to further evaluate equivocal ultrasound results. With increased utilization, more and more mimics of appendicitis are being encountered on MRI. The purpose of this educational exhibit is to familiarize the practicing pediatric radiologist with these mimics through a case-based review in order to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
Methods & Materials: We will present a series of common and uncommon mimics of appendicitis on MRI in the pediatric patient based on over 5 years of experience with limited pediatric protocol MRI for appendicitis. While the exhibit will focus on MRI findings, correlative US and CT findings will be included.
Results: This case-based educational exhibit will cover multiple mimics of appendicitis encountered in clinical practice, including but not limited to: omental infarct, Meckel’s diverticulitis, pyelonephritis, ovarian torsion, tubo-ovarian abscess, isolated fallopian tube torsion, intussusception, and psoas myositis.
Conclusions: Abdominal pain with concern for appendicitis is a common pediatric clinical presentation which relies heavily on imaging for diagnosis. The utilization of MRI for the evaluation of possible appendicitis continues to rise, and familiarity with common and uncommon mimics of appendicitis which may be encountered on MRI will help the practicing pediatric radiologist with interpretation of these studies and improve patient care.