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Does an x-ray show inflammation?
My son might have a swollen appendix. A doctor recommended an x-ray of his abdomen. Does an x-ray show inflammation?
4 Answers
no
No. X-rays do not show soft tissues. If concerned about appendicitis, I would recommend obtaining an abdominal ultrasound.
The X-ray may show an abnormal gas pattern, kidney stone, or fecolith, but not appendix inflammation. He will need a CAT scan if you need to be sure it is appendicitis.