MRI of early appendicitis during pregnancy

Diagnosis of appendicitis during pregnancy can be challenging because of atypical clinical presentations such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, which can also appear in normal pregnancy. According to the American College of Radiology appropriateness criteria, ultrasound of the right lower quadrant with graded compression is the most appropriate initial imaging test in suspected appendicitis in a pregnant patient, especially during the first and early second trimester.1 Ultrasound with graded compression technique, although the first line investigation modality for suspected appendicitis in pregnancy, depends on variability in operator skills and may result in equivocal or indeterminate findings.2 If ultrasound is non-diagnostic, MRI (if available), which lacks ionisation …