Computed tomography and appendiceal abscess: special applicability in the elderly.

Five cases are presented in which appendiceal abscesses were demonstrated by computed tomography (CT) and confirmed at surgery. In another, a feces-filled cecum led to a false positive diagnosis of appendiceal abscess, and this is included as an instructive case. Three of the patients were elderly, with an atypical presentation; in these, CT was especially important in clarifying the diagnosis by including appendiceal abscess in the differential diagnosis of pelvic pathology.