skip to main content

Appendicitis in pregnancy — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateGI/Abdominal emergenciesAppendicitis in pregnancyACEM Fellowship

A 26-year-old woman at 18 weeks gestation presents to a Wellington ED, triage category 3, with migratory right-sided abdominal pain and vomiting. Temperature is 37.9 C, WCC 16. Urine is negative and ultrasound appendix is not visualised. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — MRI abdomen and pelvis

When ultrasound is non-diagnostic in pregnancy, MRI provides cross-sectional imaging without ionising radiation.

Reference: RANZCOG acute abdomen in pregnancy; ACEM gastrointestinal curriculum