Appendicitis Updated Review

Appendicitis most commonly affects children age 10–19, with an overall incidence of approximately 20 cases per 10,000 population annually.Among those under age 20, infants age 0–4 have the lowest incidence of appendicitis (2 cases per 10,000 annually), but up to two-thirds will present with perforation. Perforation is common because infants often present later in their disease course and because of the difficulty in obtaining an accurate history. The diagnosis is further complicated by diseases of childhood that can mimic appendicitis. For instance, mesenteric adenitis, an inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes secondary to upper respiratory tract infection, can present with fever and right lower quadrant pain. Streptococcal pharyngitis and bacterial meningitis can also present with fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. These diagnoses should be considered when evaluating children for suspected appendicitis.