Targeted helical CT of the acute abdomen: Appendicitis, diverticulitis, and small bowel obstruction

CT, especially helical CT, provides a fast and reliable modality for evaluation of the patient presenting with acute abdominal pain. Helical CT can provide an accurate diagnosis in the majority of patients and has found great utility in the evaluation of acute gastrointestinal emergencies, including acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, and small bowel obstruction. This article reviews proper helical CT technique, diagnostic imaging findings, and pitfalls of interpretation in evaluation of these acute abdominal disorders.