About a New Palpation Sign in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in Children and Women of Childbearing Age

Abstract

Acute appendicitis (AA) is defined as nonspecific bacterial inflammation of the appendix vermiformis and is the most common acute abdominal condition requiring surgical intervention. The clinical picture of atypical forms of AA (children, women of childbearing age) is often insidious with its unpredictable onset and course. The diagnosis is particularly problematic. The new palpation sign consists of two reflex arcs. The visceral reflex arc ensures the diagnosis of an early stage of acute appendicitis, on the other hand, the somatic reflex arc points to the late stage of acute appendicitis. Due to the technical simplicity of the new palpation sign and the positioning of the patient during the examination, it is effective in a restless and distrustful child, as well as in women of childbearing age in differentiating AA from a gynecological disease.