Chapter 30: Appendix

Chapter 30. Appendix

All of the following are true about the appendix, except

A. The appendix in children is characterized by a large concentration of lymphoid follicles that appear 2 weeks after birth and number about 200 or more at age 15.

B. The taeniae of the colon converge at the base of the appendix.

C. A fecalith or calculus is found in only 10% of acutely inflamed appendices.

D. The appendix is fixed retrocecally in 65% of adults.

E. Acute appendicitis may simulate almost any other acute abdominal illness.

The correct answer is D. The appendix is fixed retrocecally in 65% of adults

Helpful tests in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis include

A. Abdominal computed tomography

B. Magnetic resonance imaging

C. Transvaginal ultrasound

D. A, B, and C

E. A and C

The correct answer is D. A, B, and C

Primary malignant tumors of the appendix

A. Should prompt right colectomy in nearly all patients

B. Are most commonly neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors

C. Are the most common etiology of appendicitis

D. Usually present due to liver metastases

E. Are usually found at the base of the appendix

The correct answer is B. Are most commonly neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors