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Surgery
gastrointestinal disorders
appendicitis
A 30-year-old multigravid woman at 32 weeks' gestation presents to the emergency department of a large tertiary care center with an 18-hour history of progressively worsening right-sided abdominal pain. The pain initially began as a vague, diffuse peri-umbilical discomfort but has since localized to the right subcostal region and flank. She reports persistent nausea and one episode of non-bilious vomiting. She denies any vaginal bleeding, dysuria, or changes in bowel habits. Her temperature is 38.5 C (101.3 F). Physical examination reveals a gravid uterus with fundal height consistent with gestational age. There is mild diffuse abdominal tenderness, but palpation of the right subcostal and flank regions elicits marked tenderness with voluntary guarding. Bowel sounds are diminished. Rebound tenderness is notably absent. Fetal heart rate is 140 beats/min and reactive. Laboratory studies performed upon admission show: Considering her presentation, what is the most likely diagnosis, and what is the most appropriate initial diagnostic imaging study to confirm it?
| Lab Parameter | Value | Reference Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hematocrit | 36% | 33-45% |
| Leukocyte count | 17.5 X 10^9/L | 5-15 X 10^9/L (up to 18-20 in pregnancy) |
| Serum Total bilirubin | 7 mg/L | < 8 mg/L |
| Amylase | 40 U/L | < 160 U/L |
| Lactate dehydrogenase | 115 U/L | 95-195 U/L |
| Urine WBC | 2-4/hpf | < 5/hpf |
| C-reactive protein | 35 mg/L | < 5 mg/L |
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