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Introduction: Appendicitis is a common cause of acute abdominal pain and belongs to one of the most common causes for abdominal surgery. In order to distinguish other diseases with the same symptoms, clinical and radiological methods are needed. Today, both ultrasound and computed tomography are methods used in this type of investigation. Studies indicate that many children undergo CT scans, and because it’s relatively high dose of radiation, ultrasound is preferred. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons why so many children are undergoing computed tomography in the diagnosis of appendicitis and to identify methods which the radiographer’s can use to reduce radiation dose in CT examinations in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children. Methods: The study was performed as a literature overview in which 10 scientific articles were included. Results: General Hospital shows a significantly higher use of CT scans than children's hospital. Ultrasound is highly operator dependent and there are also insufficient in the availability of experienced pediatric sonographers in public hospitals. Boys, older children and overweight are overrepresented in the use of computed tomography. Three relevant methods that make it possible to reduce the radiation dose in computed tomography are identified: reducing mA, follow the ALARA-principle and follow specific guidelines that, among other things, the use of intravenous contrast in these studies to minimize the risk of missed diagnosis. Conclusion: Ultrasound is a good method for investigation of appendicitis in children. But it’s highly operator dependent and therefore varies in accuracy of diagnosis. Radiation doses in the CT scan can be reduced without affecting the diagnostic accuracy. In the future, the MRI may replace CT scan and thereby create a radiation-free imaging evaluation of appendicitis. Validerat; 20160124 (global_studentproject_submitter)