Appendicitis Age Distribution: Peak Incidence 10–30 Years

Correction: Appendicitis can occur at any age, but peak incidence is 10–30 years old.

Epidemiology

• Lifetime risk: ~7–8%.
• Bimodal: Childhood/adolescence peak; smaller elderly peak (>70) due to lymphoid hyperplasia vs. fecalith/neoplasm.
• Male > female (1.3:1).

Age-Specific Considerations

• Children: Higher perforation rate (delayed diagnosis, atypical presentation).
• Pregnancy: Displaced appendix; MRI preferred imaging.
• Elderly: Atypical presentation, higher comorbidity, higher perforation/mortality.

Clinical Pearl

Migration of periumbilical pain to RLQ + anorexia + low-grade fever + rebound tenderness = classic. Alvarado score ≥7 suggests appendicitis. CT (adults) / US (children, pregnant) for equivocal cases.