1
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Nishida M, Hasegawa Y, Hata J. Basic practices for gastrointestinal ultrasound. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2023; 50:285-310. [PMID: 36087155 PMCID: PMC10354189 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-022-01236-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The standard diagnostic modalities for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases have long been endoscopy and barium enema. Recently, trans-sectional imaging modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, have become increasingly utilized in daily practice. In transabdominal ultrasonography (US), the bowel sometimes interferes with the observation of abdominal organs. Additionally, the thin intestinal walls and internal gas can make structures difficult to identify. However, under optimal US equipment settings, with identification of the sonoanatomy and knowledge of the US findings of GI diseases, US can be used effectively to diagnose GI disorders. Thus, the efficacy of GIUS has been gradually recognized, and GIUS guidelines have been published by the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology and the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Following a systematic scanning method according to the sonoanatomy and precisely estimating the layered wall structures by employing color Doppler make diagnosing disease and evaluating the degree of inflammation possible. This review describes current GIUS practices from an equipment perspective, a procedure for systematic scanning, typical findings of the normal GI tract, and 10 diagnostic items in an attempt to help medical practitioners effectively perform GIUS and promote the use of GIUS globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutsumi Nishida
- Diagnostic Center for Sonography, Hokkaido University Hospital, N14 W5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-8648, Japan.
| | - Yuichi Hasegawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Japanese Red Cross Narita Hospital, Narita, Japan
| | - Jiro Hata
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (Endoscopy and Ultrasound), Kawasaki Medical School Hospital, Okayama, Japan
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2
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Choi K, Choi JY, Kim HJ, Kim HJ, Jang SK. Added Value of Structured Reporting for US of the Pediatric Appendix: Additional CT Examinations and Negative Appendectomy. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGY 2023; 84:653-662. [PMID: 37324982 PMCID: PMC10265224 DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2022.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to determine the incremental value of using a structured report (SR) for US examinations of the pediatric appendix. Materials and Methods Between January 2009 and June 2016, 1150 pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis who underwent US examinations of the appendix were included retrospectively. In November 2012, we developed a five-point scale SR for appendix US examinations. The patients were divided into two groups according to the form of the US report: free-text or SR. The primary clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups, including the rate of CT imaging following US examinations, the negative appendectomy rate (NAR), and the appendiceal perforation rate (PR). Results In total, 550 patients were included in the free-text group and 600 patients in the SR group. The rate of additional CT examinations decreased by 5.3% in the SR group (8.2%, p = 0.003), and the NAR decreased by 8.4% in the SR group (7.8%, p = 0.028). There was no statistical difference in the appendiceal PR (37.6% vs. 48.0%, p = 0.078). Conclusion The use of an SR to evaluate US examinations for suspected pediatric appendicitis results in lower CT use and fewer negative appendectomies without an increase in appendiceal PR.
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Borruel Nacenta S, Ibáñez Sanz L, Sanz Lucas R, Depetris M, Martínez Chamorro E. Update on acute appendicitis: Typical and untypical findings. RADIOLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2023; 65 Suppl 1:S81-S91. [PMID: 37024234 DOI: 10.1016/j.rxeng.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute appendicitis is the most common indication for emergency abdominal surgery throughout the world and a common reason for consultation in emergency departments. In recent decades, diagnostic imaging has played a fundamental role in identifying acute appendicitis, helping to reduce the rate of blind laparotomies and hospital costs. Given the results of clinical trials supporting the use of antibiotic therapy over surgical treatment, radiologists need to know the diagnostic criteria for complicated acute appendicitis to be able to recommend the best treatment option. This review aims not only to define the diagnostic criteria for appendicitis in different imaging modalities (ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging), but also to explain the diagnostic protocols, atypical presentations, and other conditions that can mimic appendicitis.
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Boccatonda A, D’Ardes D, Tallarico V, Vicari S, Bartoli E, Vidili G, Guagnano MT, Cocco G, Cipollone F, Schiavone C, Accogli E. Gastrointestinal Ultrasound in Emergency Setting. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030799. [PMID: 36769448 PMCID: PMC9917741 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute bowel diseases are responsible for more than one third of subjects who were referred to the emergency department for acute abdominal pain and gastrointestinal evaluation. Gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) is often employed as the first imaging method, with a good diagnostic accuracy in the setting of acute abdomen, and it can be an optimal diagnostic strategy in young females due to the radiation exposure related to X-ray and computed tomography methods. The physician can examine the gastrointestinal system in the area with the greatest tenderness by ultrasound, thus obtaining more information and data on the pathology than the standard physical examination. In this comprehensive review, we have reported the most relevant indications and advantages to using ultrasound in the investigation of abdominal acute pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Boccatonda
- Internal Medicine, Bentivoglio Hospital, AUSL Bologna, Bentivoglio (BO), 40010 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-664-4111
| | - Damiano D’Ardes
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Institute of “Clinica Medica”, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Viola Tallarico
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bologna University, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Susanna Vicari
- Internal Medicine, Bentivoglio Hospital, AUSL Bologna, Bentivoglio (BO), 40010 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoli
- Internal Medicine, Bentivoglio Hospital, AUSL Bologna, Bentivoglio (BO), 40010 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Vidili
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Guagnano
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Institute of “Clinica Medica”, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulio Cocco
- Internistic Ultrasound Unit, SS Annunziata Hospital, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Cipollone
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Institute of “Clinica Medica”, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cosima Schiavone
- Internistic Ultrasound Unit, SS Annunziata Hospital, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Esterita Accogli
- Internal Medicine, Centre of Research and Learning in Ultrasound, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy
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Krisem M, Jenjitranant P, Thampongsa T, Wongwaisayawan S. Appendiceal wall thickness and Alvarado score are predictive of acute appendicitis in the patients with equivocal computed tomography findings. Sci Rep 2023; 13:998. [PMID: 36653425 PMCID: PMC9849407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27984-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 8-13% of the patients who underwent CT scan for diagnosis of appendicitis had equivocal CT results. About one-third of these patients had acute appendicitis and this caused diagnostic challenge to the clinicians. This study was conducted to identify clinical and imaging features that were predictive of acute appendicitis in patients who had equivocal CT findings. During January 2015 to June 2021, we retrospectively included 103 consecutive CT scans of adult patients (22 men and 81 women; mean age, 39.1 ± 17.5 years) who had equivocal CT findings of acute appendicitis. Two readers, blinded to the clinical data, independently assessed CT images for the relevant CT findings of appendicitis. Any disagreement between the readers was solved by consensus. The clinical parameters and CT findings were analyzed and compared between the patients who had appendicitis and patients who did not have appendicitis. Thirty-one (30.1%) patients had appendicitis, all of which were non-complicated. The appendiceal wall thickness of ≥ 2 mm and the Alvarado score of ≥ 7 were independent predictors of appendicitis with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 2.76 (95% CI, 1.09-7.02) and 1.47 (95% CI, 1.12-1.94), respectively. The maximal appendiceal diameter was higher in the appendicitis group (7.2 ± 1.2 mm vs. 6.5 ± 1.0 mm), but not predictive of appendicitis. The rest of the clinical parameters and CT findings, including mucosal hyperenhancement, periappendiceal fat reticulation, thickening of peritoneal reflection, appendicolith, focal cecal thickening, and content in appendiceal lumen showed no significant difference between two groups. The appendiceal wall thickness and the Alvarado score were able to predict appendicitis in patients who had equivocal CT findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massupa Krisem
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pinporn Jenjitranant
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tharin Thampongsa
- Trauma, Acute Care Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirote Wongwaisayawan
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Imaging of Right Lower Quadrant Pain in Children and Adolescents: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2022; 220:767-779. [PMID: 36416395 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.22.28358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain is a common clinical presentation in children, and accurate clinical diagnosis remains challenging given that this nonspecific presentation is associated with numerous surgical and nonsurgical conditions. The broad differential diagnosis varies by patient age and sex. Important considerations in the selection of a diagnostic imaging strategy include the sequencing, performance, and cost of tests. This article provides a comprehensive narrative review of the diagnostic imaging of RLQ pain in children and adolescents, including a discussion of the complementary roles of ultrasound, CT, and MRI; description of key imaging findings based on available evidence; and presentation of salient differential diagnoses. Subspecialized pediatric emergency medicine and surgical perspectives are also provided as further clinical insight into this common, but often challenging, scenario. Finally, the current status of imaging of RLQ pain in children and adolescents is summarized on the basis of expert consensus.
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Kambadakone AR, Santillan CS, Kim DH, Fowler KJ, Birkholz JH, Camacho MA, Cash BD, Dane B, Felker RA, Grossman EJ, Korngold EK, Liu PS, Marin D, McCrary M, Pietryga JA, Weinstein S, Zukotynski K, Carucci LR. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Right Lower Quadrant Pain: 2022 Update. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:S445-S461. [PMID: 36436969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This document focuses on imaging in the adult and pregnant populations with right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain, including patients with fever and leukocytosis. Appendicitis remains the most common surgical pathology responsible for RLQ abdominal pain in the United States. Other causes of RLQ pain include right colonic diverticulitis, ureteral stone, and infectious enterocolitis. Appropriate imaging in the diagnosis of appendicitis has resulted in decreased negative appendectomy rate from as high as 25% to approximately 1% to 3%. Contrast-enhanced CT remains the primary and most appropriate imaging modality to evaluate this patient population. MRI is approaching CT in sensitivity and specificity as this technology becomes more widely available and utilization increases. Unenhanced MRI and ultrasound remain the diagnostic procedures of choice in the pregnant patient. MRI and ultrasound continue to perform best in the hands of the experts. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer-reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer-reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash R Kambadakone
- Division Chief, Abdominal Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Medical Director, Martha's Vineyard Hospital Imaging.
| | - Cynthia S Santillan
- Vice Chair of Clinical Operations, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - David H Kim
- Panel Chair; Vice Chair of Education, Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kathryn J Fowler
- Panel Vice-Chair, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California. ACR LI-RADS; Division Chief, SAR Portfolio Director; RSNA Radiology Senior DE
| | - James H Birkholz
- Divisional Director, Quality and Safety (Abdominal Imaging), Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Radiology Representative to the Interdisciplinary Dysmotility (GIMIG) Conference
| | - Marc A Camacho
- The University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida; Committee on Emergency Radiology-GSER
| | - Brooks D Cash
- Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Division, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas; American Gastroenterological Association
| | - Bari Dane
- Director of Body CT, Abdominal Imaging; Director of Quality and Safety Outpatient Imaging, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Robin A Felker
- Associate Clerkship Director for Internal Medicine, Georgetown University; Primary care physician, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Eric J Grossman
- Medical Director, Multi-Specialty Clinic, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, California; American College of Surgeons
| | - Elena K Korngold
- Section Chief, Body Imaging, Chair, Department of Radiology Promotion and Tenure Committee, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Peter S Liu
- Section Head, Abdominal Imaging, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Daniele Marin
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Marion McCrary
- Associate Director of Duke GME Coaching, Duke Signature Care, Durham, North Carolina; American College of Physicians; Governor-Elect, American College of Physicians North Carolina Chapter
| | | | | | - Katherine Zukotynski
- Co-Associate Chair for Research, Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Commission on Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
| | - Laura R Carucci
- Specialty Chair; Section Chief Abdominal Imaging, Director of MRI and CT, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
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Actualización de la apendicitis aguda: hallazgos típicos y atípicos. RADIOLOGIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rx.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Altunkas A, Aktas F, Ozmen Z, Albayrak E, Demir O. The normal vermiform appendixin adults: its anatomical location, visualization, and diameter at computed tomography. J ANAT SOC INDIA 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jasi.jasi_135_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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10
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Malia L, Sturm JJ, Smith SR, Brown RT, Campbell B, Chicaiza H. Predictors for Acute Appendicitis in Children. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:e962-e968. [PMID: 31136455 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis in children is the most common condition requiring urgent evaluation and surgery in the emergency department. At times, despite the appendix being seen on ultrasound (US), there can be discrepancy as to whether a patient has clinical appendicitis. Secondary findings suggestive of appendicitis can be helpful in identifying and evaluating these children. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine if specific US findings and/or laboratory results are predictive of appendicitis in children with a visualized appendix on US. METHODS A prospective study was conducted on children (birth to 18 years) presenting to the pediatric emergency department with suspected appendicitis who underwent right-lower-quadrant US. Ultrasound findings analyzed appendix diameter, compressibility, increased vascularity, presence of appendicolith, inflammatory changes, right-lower-quadrant fluid near the appendix, lower abdominal fluid, tenderness during US, and lymph nodes. Diagnosis was confirmed via surgical pathology. RESULTS There were 1252 patients who enrolled, 60.8 (762) had their appendix visualized, and 39.1 (490) did not. In children where the appendix was seen, 35.2% (268) were diagnosed with appendicitis. Among patients with a visualized appendix, the likelihood of appendicitis was significantly greater if the appendix diameter was 7 mm or greater (odds ratio [OR], 12.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7-32.7), an appendicolith was present (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.5-10.3), inflammatory changes were seen (OR, 10.2; 95% CI, 3.9-26.1), or the white blood cell (WBC) count was 10,000/μL (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.4-9.7). A duration of abdominal pain of 3 days or more was significantly less likely to be associated with appendicitis (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.08-0.99). The absence of inflammatory changes, WBC count of less than 10,000/μL, and appendix diameter of 7 mm or less had a negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSIONS When the appendix is seen on US but diagnosis of appendicitis is questioned, the absence of inflammatory changes, WBC count of less than 10,000/μL, and appendix diameter of 7 mm or less should decrease suspicion for appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Malia
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Connecticut Children's Medical Center
| | - Jesse J Sturm
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Connecticut Children's Medical Center
| | - Sharon R Smith
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Connecticut Children's Medical Center
| | | | - Brendan Campbell
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Connecticut Children's Medical Center
| | - Henry Chicaiza
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Connecticut Children's Medical Center
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Walid A, Muhammad A, Hussain Z. Value of Periappendiceal Fat Sign on Ultrasound in Acute Appendicitis. Cureus 2021; 13:e16321. [PMID: 34395109 PMCID: PMC8357021 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain is one of the most common surgical presentations to the emergency department with acute appendicitis being the topmost differential diagnosis. Although computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard in diagnosing appendicitis, in our setup ultrasound is often the initial imaging modality available in urgent care settings especially for children and pregnant females. On ultrasound, an inflamed appendix has a diameter of 6 mm or more and is non-compressible. Increased periappendiceal fat echogenicity is an important ancillary sign of acute appendicitis that supports the sonographic diagnosis of acute appendicitis. To determine the association of periappendiceal fat echo sign (PFES) on ultrasound in surgically proven cases of acute appendicitis. Methods This cross-sectional study was held at the Department of Radiology at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Periappendiceal fat echogenicity was assessed and prospectively graded in 59 patients. These patients had sonographic features of acute appendicitis which was later confirmed by surgery. Data were collected on a proforma and later analyzed. Frequency of increased periappendiceal fat echogenicity in acute appendicitis was calculated. Association of PFES with gender and ascites was evaluated with Fischer's exact test and with patient's age and appendiceal diameter was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results Increased periappendiceal fat echogenicity was seen in 89.8% of patients with acute appendicitis. 10.2% of patients had acute appendicitis with normal surrounding fat. Mean appendiceal diameter in patients with grade 3 PFES was significantly more than those with grade 2 or grade 1 PFES. PFES had no association with age and gender of the patient or with ascites. Conclusion Increased periappendiceal fat echogenicity is an important ancillary sign of acute appendicitis that helps support its sonographic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Walid
- Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Civil Hospital Karachi, Karachi, PAK
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Penticuff R, Jeffrey RB, Olcott EW. Hyperechoic Periappendiceal Fat: Evaluation of Criteria for Improving Specificity in the Sonographic Diagnosis of Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2021; 40:285-296. [PMID: 32697409 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that abutting and encasing types of hyperechoic periappendiceal fat are specific sonographic indicators of appendicitis in pediatric patients, including individuals with maximum outer diameters (MODs) of 6 to 8 mm in whom diagnosis by the MOD alone is known to be equivocal. METHODS Appendiceal sonograms of 271 consecutive pediatric patients were retrospectively evaluated for hyperechoic periappendiceal fat (globular, ≥1.0 cm; categorized as type 0, none; type 1, "abutting," encompassing <180° of the appendiceal circumference; or type 2, "encasing," encompassing 180° or more of the appendiceal circumference) and the MOD. Histopathologic and medical records constituted reference standards. Statistical methods included the binomial distribution, logistic regression, a receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the exact McNemar test. RESULTS All patients with hyperechoic fat and 105 of 107 patients with appendicitis had MODs of 6 mm or greater. The MOD and fat types 1 and 2 each were significantly associated with appendicitis in the univariable regression. The MOD and fat type 1 were independently associated with appendicitis in multivariable regression (odds ratio, 24.97; P = .034; and odds ratio, 5.35; P < .001, respectively). Specificities of an MOD of 6 to 8 mm and an MOD of 6 mm or greater alone were 89.0% (95% confidence interval, 83.2%-93.4%); these increased to 100.0% each (95% confidence interval, 97.8%-100.0%; P < .001) when combined with fat types 1, 2, and either 1 or 2 as diagnostic criteria, with positive predictive values of 100.0%. CONCLUSIONS Types 1 and 2 periappendiceal fat are specific indicators of appendicitis, and both improve specificity compared to the MOD. Importantly, they add specificity in diagnosing appendicitis in patients with diagnostically equivocal MODs of 6 to 8 mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Penticuff
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - R Brooke Jeffrey
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Eric W Olcott
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Choi J, Kim HJ, Jang SK, Kim HJ, Yeon JW. Useful Ultrasound Findings of Pediatric Patients with Equivocal Results of Appendicitis: Analysis Based on a Structured Report Form. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGY 2021; 82:182-193. [PMID: 36237470 PMCID: PMC9432416 DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2019.0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Materials and Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Choi
- Department of Radiology, Daejin Medical Center Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyuk Jung Kim
- Department of Radiology, Daejin Medical Center Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Suk Ki Jang
- Department of Radiology, Daejin Medical Center Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Daejin Medical Center Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jae Woo Yeon
- Department of Radiology, Daejin Medical Center Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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The Borderline-Size Appendix: Grayscale, Color Doppler, and Spectral Doppler Findings That Improve Specificity for the Sonographic Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis. Ultrasound Q 2020; 36:314-320. [PMID: 33136933 DOI: 10.1097/ruq.0000000000000536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic criteria for acute appendicitis using graded compression sonography have been well established based on the maximum outer diameter (MOD) of the appendix, with MOD values of <6 mm nearly always indicating normal appendices and MOD values of >8 mm nearly always indicating appendicitis. However, the "borderline-size" appendix, meaning one whose MOD lies between these ranges (ie, an appendix with MOD of 6-8 mm), presents a diagnostic dilemma because appendices in this size range are neither clearly normal nor abnormal when diagnosis is based on the MOD alone; accordingly, such borderline MOD values are diagnostically equivocal, and sonographic diagnosis must rely on sonographic findings other than the MOD. The goal of this review was to examine the additional sonographic findings that can add specificity and help enable an accurate diagnosis to be made in patients with borderline-size appendices.
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Abstract
Appendicitis is a common occurrence in both the adult and pediatric populations. The condition most commonly occurs between the ages of 10 and 20 years with a lifetime risk of 8.6% and 6.7% for males and females respectively. Its diagnosis focuses on clinical presentation and imaging modalities classified according to scoring systems such as the Alvarado scoring system. A number of imaging modalities can be used, with CT being the most common one. For acute appendicitis, surgical intervention is considered to be the gold standard of treatment. However, recent research has focused on other modalities of treatment including antibiotics and endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) to avoid surgical complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Krzyzak
- Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital - Northwell Health, New York, USA
| | - Stephen M Mulrooney
- Gastroenterology, Staten Island University Hospital - Northwell Health, New York, USA
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16
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Daldal E, Dagmura H. The Correlation between Complete Blood Count Parameters and Appendix Diameter for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8010039. [PMID: 32069909 PMCID: PMC7151080 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal diseases seen between the ages of 10 and 19, mostly seen in males. The lifetime risk of developing acute appendicitis is 8.6% for males and 6.7% for females. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of the complete blood count parameters, C-reactive protein, and Lymphocyte-C-reactive Protein Ratio laboratory tests in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, as well as their relationship with appendix diameter. We retrospectively examined all patients who underwent appendectomy between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2019 in the General Surgery Clinic of Gaziosmanpasa University Faculty of Medicine. Laboratory tests, imaging findings, age, and gender were recorded. Lymphoid hyperplasia is considered as normal appendix—in other words, as negative appendicitis. The distribution of Lymphoid hyperplasia and appendicitis rates were statistically different in the groups formed according to appendix diameter (≤6 and >6 mm) (p < 0.001). We found a significant correlation between appendix diameter and WBC (White blood count), Lymphocyte, Neutrophil, RDW(Red blood cell distribution width), NLR(Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), and PLT/L (Platelet to lymphocyte ratio), MPV (Mean platelet volume) and RDW were significantly different in patients with an appendix diameter of ≤6 mm (p = 0.007, p = 0.006, respectively). WBC, Neutrophil, PDW, and NLR values were significantly different between appendicitis and hyperplasia groups in patients with an appendix diameter of >6 mm. The sensitivity of the NLR score (cutoff = 2.6057) in the diagnosis of appendicitis was 86.1% and selectivity was 50% in these patients. Complete blood count parameters evaluation with the clinical findings revealed that NLR is an important parameter that may help the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with an appendix diameter of >6 mm. In patients whose pathological results indicated acute appendicitis but who had a diameter of ≤6 mm, we found an elevated MPV and low RDW values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emin Daldal
- General Surgery, Gaziosmanpasa University, Kaleardı mahallesi, 60250 Tokat, Turkey;
| | - Hasan Dagmura
- General Surgery and Surgical Oncology Department, Gaziosmanpasa University, Kaleardı Mahallesi, 60250 Tokat, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-532-162-6615
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Garcia EM, Camacho MA, Karolyi DR, Kim DH, Cash BD, Chang KJ, Feig BW, Fowler KJ, Kambadakone AR, Lambert DL, Levy AD, Marin D, Moreno C, Peterson CM, Scheirey CD, Siegel A, Smith MP, Weinstein S, Carucci LR. ACR Appropriateness Criteria ® Right Lower Quadrant Pain-Suspected Appendicitis. J Am Coll Radiol 2019; 15:S373-S387. [PMID: 30392606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Appendicitis remains the most common surgical pathology responsible for right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain presenting to emergency departments in the United States, where the incidence continues to increase. Appropriate imaging in the diagnosis of appendicitis has resulted in decreased negative appendectomy rate from as high as 25% to approximately 1% to 3%. Contrast-enhanced CT remains the primary and most appropriate imaging modality to evaluate this patient population. MRI is approaching CT in sensitivity and specificity as this technology becomes more widely available and utilization increases. Unenhanced MRI and ultrasound remain the diagnostic procedures of choice in the pregnant patient. MRI and ultrasound continue to perform best in the hands of experts. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelyn M Garcia
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia.
| | - Marc A Camacho
- The University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - David H Kim
- Panel Chair, University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Brooks D Cash
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas; American Gastroenterological Association
| | | | - Barry W Feig
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; American College of Surgeons
| | | | | | - Drew L Lambert
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Angela D Levy
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Daniele Marin
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Alan Siegel
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Martin P Smith
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Laura R Carucci
- Specialty Chair, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
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Mohammed AA, Ghazi DY, Arif SH. Ingested metallic foreign body impacted in the vermiform appendix presenting as acute appendicitis: Case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2019; 57:201-204. [PMID: 30981982 PMCID: PMC6463815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2019.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Foreign body appendicitis in children may be caused by a variety of ingested foreign bodies. Pins are the most common cause of foreign body appendicitis. The reported incidence of bowel perforation is less than 1%, especially with sharp, thin, pointed or long objects.
Introduction Ingestion of foreign bodies and their impaction at the lumen of the appendix is a very rare finding and only few cases have been reported all over the world. A variety of metallic foreign bodies when ingested may be lodged in the lumen of the appendix such as screws, bird shots, and needles. This is called in most literatures as foreign body appendicitis. Case presentation A 4-year-old boy with history of an accidental ingestion of a metallic nail presented to the emergency department one week later with right iliac fossa pain and one attack of vomiting. During abdominal examination there was tenderness and rebound tenderness at the right iliac fossa. Plain abdominal X-ray showed the metallic nail in the region of the right iliac fossa. Ultrasound examination was normal apart from tenderness of putting the probe on the right lilac fossa. The white blood cell counts were 14,000 cell per microliter. During surgery the nail was found to be impacted inside the lumen of the vermiform appendix causing inflammation of the appendix. Appendicectomy done and the patient discharged on the third day in a good general condition. Conclusion Acute appendicitis may be caused by a variety of causes including ingested foreign bodies if impacted in its lumen. When the patient has signs of generalized peritonitis it is important to exclude bowel perforation. The surgery can be done by the open surgery or laparoscopically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayad Ahmad Mohammed
- University of Duhok, College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duhok city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
| | - Dezhwar Yahya Ghazi
- Duhok Directorate of Health, Duhok Emergency Teaching Hospital, Duhok city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Sardar Hassan Arif
- University of Duhok, College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duhok city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
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Coccolini F, Fugazzola P, Sartelli M, Cicuttin E, Sibilla MG, Leandro G, De' Angelis GL, Gaiani F, Di Mario F, Tomasoni M, Catena F, Ansaloni L. Conservative treatment of acute appendicitis. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2018; 89:119-134. [PMID: 30561405 PMCID: PMC6502196 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v89i9-s.7905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute appendicitis has been considered by surgeons a progressive disease leading to perforation for more than 100 years. In the last decades the theories about this concept gained attention, especially in adults. However, appendectomy for acute appendicitis remains the most common urgent/emergent surgical procedure. At present, accumulating evidences are showing the changing in clinical practice towards the non-operative management of several cases of acute appendicitis either non-complicated or complicated. The present review aims to show the literature results regarding the non-operative management of acute appendicitis in non-complicated and in complicated cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Coccolini
- Emergency, General and Trauma Surgery dept., Bufalini hospital, Cesena, Italy.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the optimal outer appendiceal diameter via ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients (ages, 2-18 years) presenting to an urban pediatric emergency department between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 with suspected acute appendicitis. Children were considered as having "suspected acute appendicitis" if they (1) presented with acute abdominal pain and had either a surgical consult or an abdominal ultrasound, or (2) presented or transferred with the stated suspicion of acute appendicitis. Pathology reports were used to confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis. The appendiceal diameters were determined by board-certified pediatric radiologists. RESULTS A total of 320 patient charts were reviewed (females, 57%; mean age, 10.9; SD, 3.9). Seventy-two percent (N = 230) of the patients screened positive for acute appendicitis via ultrasound, 69% (N = 222) had confirmed acute appendicitis, 75% (N = 239) of the ultrasound reports included an outer appendiceal diameter. Overall, ultrasound was found to be highly sensitive (91%) and moderately specific (74%). With an outer appendiceal diameter of 6 mm as a cutoff, ultrasound had an excellent sensitivity (100%) but poor specificity (43%). With an outer diameter of 7 mm as a cutoff, sensitivity decreased to 94% but specificity increased to 71%. With increasing cutoff size, the sensitivity decreased and specificity increased. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the optimal outer appendiceal diameter for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis should be 7 mm instead of the currently used 6 mm.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diagnosing pediatric appendicitis is difficult because clinical findings are nonspecific. Improved accuracy can be obtained with ultrasound (US), CT, or MRI, despite considerable variation in their use at different institutions. This article reviews the evidence for best practices in imaging pediatric appendicitis. CONCLUSION When each modality is optimally used, a stepwise imaging approach that begins with graded compression US and proceeds to CT or MRI in select cases is currently best practice.
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Minimally Invasive Treatment for Appendiceal Mass Formed After Acute Perforated Appendicitis. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 2018; 27:132-138. [PMID: 28414702 DOI: 10.1097/sle.0000000000000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The optimal treatment for appendiceal mass formed after appendiceal rupture due to acute appendicitis is surrounded with controversy. The treatment strategy ranges from open surgery (emergency or interval appendectomy), laparoscopic appendectomy, and image-guided drainage, to conservative treatment with or without antibiotics. Nonsurgical treatment (including conservative and drainage treatment), followed by interval appendectomy to prevent recurrence, is the traditional management of these patients. The need for interval appendectomy after a successful conservative or/and image-guided drainage treatment, has recently been questioned as the risk of recurrence is relatively small. Several authors consider that even in cases involving only ambulatory follow-up observation, without interval surgery after conservative management, the recurrence rate and risks of missing underlying pathologies were not high. This article evaluates the minimally invasive treatment modalities in the management of appendiceal mass, risk of undetected serious disease, and the need for interval appendectomy to prevent recurrence.
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Kim C, Cha H, Kang BS, Choi HJ, Lim TH, Oh J. A Feasibility Study of Smartphone-Based Telesonography for Evaluating Cardiac Dynamic Function and Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis with Control of the Image Quality of the Transmitted Videos. J Digit Imaging 2018; 29:347-56. [PMID: 26620200 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-015-9849-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to prove the feasibility of the remote interpretation of real-time transmitted ultrasound videos of dynamic and static organs using a smartphone with control of the image quality given a limited internet connection speed. For this study, 100 cases of echocardiography videos (dynamic organ)-50 with an ejection fraction (EF) of ≥50 s and 50 with EF <50 %-and 100 cases of suspected pediatric appendicitis (static organ)-50 with signs of acute appendicitis and 50 with no findings of appendicitis-were consecutively selected. Twelve reviewers reviewed the original videos using the liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor of an ultrasound machine and using a smartphone, to which the images were transmitted from the ultrasound machine. The resolution of the transmitted echocardiography videos was reduced by approximately 20 % to increase the frame rate of transmission given the limited internet speed. The differences in diagnostic performance between the two devices when evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function by measuring the EF and when evaluating the presence of acute appendicitis were investigated using a five-point Likert scale. The average areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for each reviewer's interpretations using the LCD monitor and smartphone were respectively 0.968 (0.949-0.986) and 0.963 (0.945-0.982) (P = 0.548) for echocardiography and 0.972 (0.954-0.989) and 0.966 (0.947-0.984) (P = 0.175) for abdominal ultrasonography. We confirmed the feasibility of remotely interpreting ultrasound images using smartphones, specifically for evaluating LV function and diagnosing pediatric acute appendicitis; the images were transferred from the ultrasound machine using image quality-controlled telesonography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsun Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmin Cha
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Seung Kang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, 153, Gyeongchun-ro(st), Guri-si, GyeongGi-do, 471-701, Korea.
| | - Hyuk Joong Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Ho Lim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehoon Oh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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24
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Kim MS, Kwon HJ, Kang KA, Do IG, Park HJ, Kim EY, Hong HP, Choi YJ, Kim YH. Diagnostic performance and useful findings of ultrasound re-evaluation for patients with equivocal CT features of acute appendicitis. Br J Radiol 2018; 91:20170529. [PMID: 29099612 PMCID: PMC5965797 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20170529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound and to determine which ultrasound findings are useful to differentiate appendicitis from non-appendicitis in patients who underwent ultrasound re-evaluation owing to equivocal CT features of acute appendicitis. METHODS 62 patients who underwent CT examinations for suspected appendicitis followed by ultrasound re-evaluation owing to equivocal CT findings were included. Equivocal CT findings were considered based on the presence of only one or two findings among the CT criteria, and ultrasound re-evaluation was done based on a predefined structured report form. The diagnostic performance of ultrasound and independent variables to discriminate appendicitis from non-appendicitis were assessed. RESULTS There were 27 patients in the appendicitis group. The overall diagnostic performance of ultrasound re-evaluation was sensitivity of 96.3%, specificity of 91.2% and accuracy of 91.9%. In terms of the performance of individual ultrasound findings, probe-induced tenderness showed the highest accuracy (86.7%) with sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 97%, followed by non-compressibility (accuracy 71.7%, sensitivity 85.2% and specificity 60.6%). The independent ultrasound findings for discriminating appendicitis were non-compressibility (p = 0.002) and increased flow on the appendiceal wall (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Ultrasound re-evaluation can be used to improve diagnostic accuracy in cases with equivocal CT features for diagnosing appendicitis. The presence of non-compressibility and increased vascular flow on the appendix wall are useful ultrasound findings to discriminate appendicitis from non-appendicitis. Advances in knowledge: Ultrasound re-evaluation is useful to discriminate appendicitis from non-appendicitis when CT features are inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Sung Kim
- 1 Department of Radiology , Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon-Ju Kwon
- 1 Department of Radiology , Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung A Kang
- 1 Department of Radiology , Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Gu Do
- 2 Department of Pathology , Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Park
- 1 Department of Radiology , Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- 1 Department of Radiology , Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Pyo Hong
- 1 Department of Radiology , Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Jung Choi
- 1 Department of Radiology , Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hwan Kim
- 3 Department of Nuclear Medicine , Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
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25
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Kim C, Kang B, Park J, Ha Y. The Use of Clinician-Performed Ultrasonography to Determine the Treatment Method for Suspected Paediatric Appendicitis. HONG KONG J EMERG ME 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/102490791502200104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate whether the clinician-performed ultrasonography based on the specific criteria for paediatric appendicitis could decrease the negative appendectomy rate without treatment failure. Methods The study was a retrospective review of paediatric patients with suspected appendicitis who presented at the emergency department of a teaching hospital over a period of 18 months. The clinicians performed the ultrasound and decided whether the patients with suspected appendicitis should be referred to surgery or managed conservatively. The determinative ultrasound criteria were the presence of periappendiceal fat infiltration and/or an obstructing appendicolith. Results The 166 paediatric patients with suspected appendicitis underwent ultrasonography performed by clinicians on weekdays; forty (24.1%) cases with an obstructing appendicolith and/or periappendiceal fat infiltration were treated surgically, and none had a pathologically negative appendectomy, which was significantly lower than the number in the computed tomography scan group (10.4%, 11/106) on weeknights or weekends. The remaining 126 (75.8%) patients without obstructing appendicolith or periappendiceal fat infiltration were treated conservatively, regardless of their appendiceal diameter, and no patients experienced a treatment failure. Conclusions The clinician-performed ultrasonography bases on the strict use of above specific ultrasound criteria to determine treatment strategies for suspected paediatric appendicitis can reduce the negative appendectomies without treatment failure. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2015;22:31-40)
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jb Park
- Seoul Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Yr Ha
- Daejin Medical Center Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Appendicitis is one of the most common acute abdominal conditions encountered in the Emergency Department. It is a surgical condition that can affect any person of any age and often with varying clinical presentations. In the majority of cases, the diagnosis is straightforward. However in some, the diagnosis requires a heightened clinical suspicion. The application of adjuvant laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging helps to reduce the associated complications, morbidity and mortality of delayed diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- LTH Tan
- Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, Department of Radiology, 222 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Shaaban AM, Rezvani M, Olpin JD, Kennedy AM, Gaballah AH, Foster BR, Menias CO, Elsayes KM. Nongynecologic Findings Seen at Pelvic US. Radiographics 2017; 37:2045-2062. [PMID: 29131764 DOI: 10.1148/rg.2017170083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasonography (US) is frequently the first imaging modality used to examine women with symptoms involving the pelvis. It is widely available and involves no exposure to ionizing radiation. Images can be acquired with a transabdominal, endovaginal, or translabial approach, and the use of video clips and three-dimensional reconstructions can be helpful. US is excellent for assessment of the uterus, ovaries, and adnexa. Occasionally, nongynecologic pelvic diseases arising from the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal systems and the pelvic peritoneal and extraperitoneal spaces may be detected and can be a source of diagnostic dilemma. US can be helpful not only in the detection but also occasionally in the characterization of such entities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful in complicated cases. In this article, the normal US appearance of the bowel and US signs of bowel disease and specific entities, including appendicitis, diverticular disease, bowel obstruction, appendiceal mucocele, and intestinal tumors, are reviewed. The lower urinary tract is included in the field of view in every pelvic US examination; commonly encountered entities related to the urinary bladder, distal ureter, and urethra are illustrated. In addition to arising in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, pathologic conditions in the pelvis can arise in the peritoneal or extraperitoneal space. Although conditions of the pelvic peritoneal and extraperitoneal spaces are rare, it is important to recognize these entities and distinguish them from the more common gynecologic diseases. Owing to the implications for diagnosis and management, radiologists and other physicians who perform pelvic US should be aware of the spectrum of nongynecologic pathologic entities that can be detected. ©RSNA, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram M Shaaban
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, #1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 (A.M.S., M.R., J.D.O., A.M.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Mo (A.H.G.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore (B.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz (C.O.M.); and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.M.E.)
| | - Maryam Rezvani
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, #1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 (A.M.S., M.R., J.D.O., A.M.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Mo (A.H.G.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore (B.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz (C.O.M.); and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.M.E.)
| | - Jeffrey D Olpin
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, #1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 (A.M.S., M.R., J.D.O., A.M.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Mo (A.H.G.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore (B.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz (C.O.M.); and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.M.E.)
| | - Anne M Kennedy
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, #1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 (A.M.S., M.R., J.D.O., A.M.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Mo (A.H.G.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore (B.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz (C.O.M.); and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.M.E.)
| | - Ayman H Gaballah
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, #1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 (A.M.S., M.R., J.D.O., A.M.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Mo (A.H.G.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore (B.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz (C.O.M.); and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.M.E.)
| | - Bryan R Foster
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, #1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 (A.M.S., M.R., J.D.O., A.M.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Mo (A.H.G.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore (B.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz (C.O.M.); and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.M.E.)
| | - Christine O Menias
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, #1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 (A.M.S., M.R., J.D.O., A.M.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Mo (A.H.G.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore (B.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz (C.O.M.); and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.M.E.)
| | - Khaled M Elsayes
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, #1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 (A.M.S., M.R., J.D.O., A.M.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Mo (A.H.G.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore (B.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz (C.O.M.); and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (K.M.E.)
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Anatomic Reasons for Failure to Visualize the Appendix With Graded Compression Sonography: Insights From Contemporaneous CT. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2017; 209:W128-W138. [PMID: 28829172 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.17.18059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to identify the anatomic locations of appendixes on CT when graded compression sonography fails to visualize the appendix. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 197 patients with suspected appendicitis whose appendixes were not visualized on graded compression sonography performed with typically used transducers of at least 10 MHz, who underwent CT within 48 hours following graded compression sonography, and who had available either pathologic examination following surgery or 6-week follow-up if surgery was not performed. Appendixes were retrospectively localized using four transverse quadrants (including the posteromedial quadrant) centered on the ileocecal valve and projected vertically, the craniocaudal level relative to the iliac crests, and the depth of the appendix as measured from the surface of the skin. Data were assessed using the Fisher exact test, t test, multinomial test, binomial distribution, ANOVA, and linear regression. RESULTS Appendixes were most frequently located in the posteromedial quadrant (123 of 197 patients [62.4%]; 95% CI, 55.3-69.2%) at a statistically significantly greater frequency than that expected by chance (p < 0.00001). Appendixes were located above the iliac crests in 19.8% of patients (39/197; 95% CI, 14.5-26.1%) and at depths exceeding the penetration of typical transducers of at least 10 MHz in 19.3% of patients (38/197; 95% CI, 14.0-25.5%). All appendixes (95% CI, 98.1-100.0%) were located within the range of 6-MHz transducers. CONCLUSION Appendixes that are not visualized on graded compression sonography are most frequently located in the posteromedial quadrant and are often located above the iliac crests or at depths too great for visualization with typically used transducers of at least 10 MHz. Accordingly, when the appendix is not visualized on graded compression sonography, targeted scanning of the posteromedial quadrant and the region above the iliac crests, and scanning with 6-MHz transducers, may enable visualization of the appendix and are recommended additions to scanning protocols.
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Shin LK, Jeffrey RB, Berry GJ, Olcott EW. Spectral Doppler Waveforms for Diagnosis of Appendicitis: Potential Utility of Point Peak Systolic Velocity and Resistive Index Values. Radiology 2017; 285:990-998. [PMID: 28582634 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2017162251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To test the hypothesis that appendiceal spectral Doppler waveforms can distinguish patients with and patients without appendicitis. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, Doppler waveforms were obtained from intramural appendiceal arteries identified with color Doppler imaging in 60% (93 of 155) of consecutive patients whose appendices were visualized at graded compression ultrasonography (US) performed for suspected appendicitis (53 male and 40 female; age, 1-56 years; mean, 14.5 years) over the 5-month period from November 2015 through March 2016. Point, non-angle-corrected peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistive index (RI) values were compared between patients with and patients without appendicitis by utilizing histopathologically proven appendicitis and 6-week clinical follow-up as diagnostic reference standards. Data were assessed by using the Student t test, exact binomial distribution, two-sample test of proportions, and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results Among the 93 patients, 36 (38.7%) had proven appendicitis (mean PSV, 19.7 cm/sec; mean RI, 0.69) and 57 patients (61.2%) did not (mean PSV, 7.1 cm/sec, P < .0001; mean RI, 0.50, P < .0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of appendicitis was 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95, 1.00) for PSV and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.95; P = .011) for RI. Chosen discriminatory criteria of PSV greater than 10 cm/sec and RI greater than 0.65 yielded specificity for appendicitis of 94.7% and 96.5% with sensitivity of 88.9% and 63.9% (P = .013) and negative predictive value of 93.1% and 80.9% (P = .045), respectively. Original clinical graded compression US interpretations based on established US findings demonstrated specificity of 96.2% and sensitivity of 100.0%. Considering the subset of 20 patients whose maximum outer diameter measured 6-8 mm, the discriminatory criteria of PSV greater than 10 cm/sec and RI greater than 0.65 yielded specificity for appendicitis of 88.9% each, with sensitivity of 100.0% and 63.6% and negative predictive value of 100.0% and 66.6%, respectively. Conclusion In patients with visualized appendices at US, those with appendicitis exhibit significantly higher point PSV and point RI values than do patients without appendicitis and are distinguishable with high specificity by using a PSV greater than 10 cm/sec and an RI greater than 0.65 as diagnostic criteria. © RSNA, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis K Shin
- From the Departments of Radiology (L.K.S., R.B.J., E.W.O.) and Pathology (G.J.B.), Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105; and Department of Radiology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif (L.K.S., E.W.O.)
| | - R Brooke Jeffrey
- From the Departments of Radiology (L.K.S., R.B.J., E.W.O.) and Pathology (G.J.B.), Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105; and Department of Radiology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif (L.K.S., E.W.O.)
| | - Gerald J Berry
- From the Departments of Radiology (L.K.S., R.B.J., E.W.O.) and Pathology (G.J.B.), Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105; and Department of Radiology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif (L.K.S., E.W.O.)
| | - Eric W Olcott
- From the Departments of Radiology (L.K.S., R.B.J., E.W.O.) and Pathology (G.J.B.), Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105; and Department of Radiology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif (L.K.S., E.W.O.)
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Ahmed O, Rogers AC, Balfe P, Waldron BM, Pretorius F, McMonagle MP. Clinical utility of abdominal and pelvic ultrasound in the evaluation of right iliac fossa pain in females. Ir J Med Sci 2017; 186:775-779. [PMID: 28130666 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-017-1557-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound (US) is often the imaging modality of choice in women with acute right iliac fossa (RIF) pain, identifying the appendix in up to 99% of patients. The literature, however, lacks clear guidelines on how ultrasonography should be performed to maximise sensitivity and specificity in such patients. Many centres perform untargeted abdomino-pelvic scans, including organs such as the liver and spleen, which unlikely contribute to the presenting complaint. AIMS We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of unfocussed abdominal and pelvic US in women of reproductive age with acute RIF pain. METHODS This multicentre study describes 501 women between the ages of 12 and 50, over a 3-year period from three institutions, presenting acutely with RIF pain and investigated with US abdomen and pelvis. RESULTS 5.9% of cases confirmed appendicitis sonographically. A normal appendix was visualised in 0.2%. Over 10% identified gynaecological pathology, 41% relating to the right ovary. 10.4% incidental extra-pelvic findings were unrelated to the acute clinical presentation. 0.8% of patients had extra-pelvic findings meriting further clinical assessment. CONCLUSION The results herein reflect findings from high volume emergency surgical departments, demonstrating that unfocussed abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds are not an appropriate use of resources in reproductive women with RIF pain. Clinically relevant extra-pelvic US findings account for less than 1%, rarely contributing to the acute presentation. The appendix was only visualised in 6% of patients, suggesting that a focussed appendiceal and pelvic US would better assist diagnosis with a higher yield and increased sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Ahmed
- Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Kerry, Tralee, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland.
| | - A C Rogers
- Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Kerry, Tralee, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland.,Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Republic of Ireland.,Department of General Surgery, St Luke's Hospital Kilkenny, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland
| | - P Balfe
- Department of General Surgery, St Luke's Hospital Kilkenny, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland
| | - B M Waldron
- Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Kerry, Tralee, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland
| | - F Pretorius
- Department of General Surgery, St Luke's Hospital Kilkenny, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland
| | - M P McMonagle
- Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Republic of Ireland
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Kılınçer A, Akpınar E, Erbil B, Ünal E, Karaosmanoğlu AD, Kaynaroğlu V, Akata D, Özmen M. A new technique for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis: abdominal CT with compression to the right lower quadrant. Eur Radiol 2017; 27:3317-3325. [PMID: 28116514 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4728-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal CT with compression to the right lower quadrant (RLQ) in adults with acute appendicitis. METHODS 168 patients (age range, 18-78 years) were included who underwent contrast-enhanced CT for suspected appendicitis performed either using compression to the RLQ (n = 71) or a standard protocol (n = 97). Outer diameter of the appendix, appendiceal wall thickening, luminal content and associated findings were evaluated in each patient. Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher's and Pearson's chi-squared tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the mean outer diameter (MOD) between compression CT scans (10.6 ± 1.9 mm) and standard protocol (11.2 ± 2.3 mm) in patients with acute appendicitis (P = 1). MOD was significantly lower in the compression group (5.2 ± 0.8 mm) compared to the standard protocol (6.5 ± 1.1 mm) (P < 0.01) in patients without appendicitis. A cut-off value of 6.75 mm for the outer diameter of the appendix was found to be 100% sensitive in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis for both groups. The specificity was higher for compression CT technique (67.7 vs. 94.9%). CONCLUSION Normal appendix diameter was significantly smaller in the compression-CT group compared to standard-CT group, increasing diagnostic accuracy of abdominal compression CT. KEY POINTS • Normal appendix diameter is significantly smaller in compression CT. • Compression could force contrast material to flow through the appendiceal lumen. • Compression CT may be a CT counterpart of graded compression US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abidin Kılınçer
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Erhan Akpınar
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.
| | - Bülent Erbil
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emre Ünal
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Ali Devrim Karaosmanoğlu
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Volkan Kaynaroğlu
- Department of General Surgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Akata
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Özmen
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
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Searching for certainty: findings predictive of appendicitis in equivocal ultrasound exams. Pediatr Radiol 2016; 46:1539-45. [PMID: 27282824 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-016-3645-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound (US) is the preferred imaging modality for evaluating suspected pediatric appendicitis. However, borderline appendiceal enlargement or questionable inflammatory changes can confound interpretation and lead to equivocal exams. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine which findings on equivocal US exams are most predictive of appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS All US exams performed for suspected pediatric appendicitis from July 1, 2013, through July 9, 2014, were initially interpreted using a risk-stratified scoring system. Two blinded pediatric radiologists independently reviewed US exams designated as equivocal and recorded the following findings: increased wall thickness, loss of mural stratification, peri-appendiceal fat inflammation, peri-appendiceal fluid, appendicolith and maximum appendiceal diameter. A third pediatric radiologist resolved discrepancies. US features were correlated with the final diagnosis via multivariate analysis. RESULTS During the study period, 162/3,750 (4.3%) children had US exams initially interpreted as equivocal (mean age 9.8 +/- 3.8 years). Five outpatients were lost to follow-up. Forty-eight of the remaining 157 (30.6%) children had an operative diagnosis of appendicitis. Findings significantly associated with appendicitis were loss of mural stratification (odds ratio [OR] = 6.7, P=0.035), peri-appendiceal fat inflammation (OR = 10.0, P<0.0001) and appendicolith (OR = 15.8, P=0.025). While appendiceal diameter tended to be larger in patients with appendicitis, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Loss of mural stratification, peri-appendiceal fat inflammation and an appendicolith are significant predictors of appendicitis in children with otherwise equivocal US exams. While maximum appendiceal diameter is not statistically associated with appendicitis in our study, mean appendiceal diameter of 6.7 mm in those without appendicitis suggests that the customary upper normal limit of 6 mm is too sensitive.
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Abstract
Appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain requiring surgery. Approximately 250,000 appendectomies are performed annually in the United States. Sonography and computed tomography have both proven to be reliable imaging options for evaluating patients presenting with right lower quadrant pain and possible appendicitis. The authors report a case of acute appendicitis incidentally discovered during routine transvaginal sonography (TVS). Although TVS is not the standard imaging technique for evaluating the acute appendix, it is important for sonographers and sonologists to recognize the pathology when it is encountered and the value of the transvaginal approach.
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Abstract
Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery. A review of recent literature utilizing sonography for evaluation of appendicitis demonstrates a range of specificity from 95% to 100% and sensitivity of 80% to 89%. Using sonography to assess a patient for appendicitis may assist in differentiating this entity from an ovulating patient thus reducing false-positive surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glenn Rouse
- Diagnostic Ultrasound Department, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California
| | - Marie DeLange
- Diagnostic Ultrasound Department, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354
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Scott T, Swan H, Jurriaans E, Voss M. Sonographic Detection of the Normal Appendix. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479304267641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if the application of tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and real-time spatial compounding (RTSC) would result in a significant difference in the rate of detection and quality of visualization of the normal appendix. Subjects were scanned using the experimental method (the combination of THI and RTSC) and the conventional method (without THI and RTSC). The rate of detection was 85% with the experimental method and 66% with the conventional method. The quality of visualization was measured across three scales—visualized length, walls, and lumen—with a total score equal to the sum of the three scales. The experimental method demonstrated a significant difference in visualized length and total score. The mean score for length using the conventional method was 2.18 compared with 2.56 for the experimental method. The mean score for all three scales for the conventional method was 7.97 compared with 8.67 for the experimental method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Scott
- Institute for Applied Health Sciences, Mohawk College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,
| | - Hans Swan
- School of Clinical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
| | | | - M. Voss
- St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Swenson DW, Schooler GR, Stamoulis C, Lee EY. MRI of the normal appendix in children: data toward a new reference standard. Pediatr Radiol 2016; 46:1003-10. [PMID: 26886909 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-016-3559-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might prove useful in the diagnostic evaluation of pediatric appendicitis in the effort to avoid exposing children to the ionizing radiation of CT, yet there is a paucity of literature describing the normal range of appearances of the pediatric appendix on MRI. OBJECTIVE To investigate MRI characteristics of the normal appendix to aid in establishing a reference standard in the pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of children and young adults (≤18 years of age) who underwent lumbar spine or pelvis MRI between Jan. 1, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2013, for indications unrelated to appendicitis. Two board-certified radiologists independently reviewed all patients' MRI examinations for appendix visualization, diameter, intraluminal content signal, and presence of periappendiceal inflammation or free fluid. We used the Cohen kappa statistic and Spearman correlation coefficient to assess reader agreement on qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. RESULTS Three hundred forty-six patients met inclusion criteria. Both readers visualized the appendix in 192/346 (55.5%) patients (kappa = 0.88, P < 0.0001). Estimated median appendix diameter was 5 mm for reader 1 and 6 mm for reader 2 ([25th, 75th] quartiles = [5, 6] mm; range, 2-11 mm; r = 0.81, P < 0.0001). Appendix intraluminal signal characteristics were variable. Periappendiceal inflammation was present in 0/192 (0%) and free fluid in 6/192 (3.1%) MRI examinations (kappa = 1.0). CONCLUSION The normal appendix was seen on MRI in approximately half of pediatric patients, with a mean diameter of ~5-6 mm, variable intraluminal signal characteristics, no adjacent inflammatory changes, and rare surrounding free fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Swenson
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy St., Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Gary R Schooler
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Catherine Stamoulis
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward Y Lee
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Debnath J, George RA, Ravikumar R. Imaging in acute appendicitis: What, when, and why? Med J Armed Forces India 2016; 73:74-79. [PMID: 28123249 DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute appendicitis (AA) is the commonest cause of pain abdomen requiring surgical intervention. Diagnosis as well as management of acute appendicitis is mired in controversies and contradictions even today. Clinicians often face the dilemma of balancing negative appendectomy rate and perforation rate if the diagnosis is based on clinical scoring alone. Laboratory results are often non-specific. Imaging has an important role not only in diagnosing appendicitis and its complication but also suggesting alternate diagnosis in appropriate cases. However, there is no universally accepted diagnostic imaging algorithm for appendicitis. Imaging of acute appendicitis needs to be streamlined keeping pros and cons of the available investigative modalities. Radiography has practically no role today in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis. Ultrasonography (USG) should be the first line imaging modality for all ages, particularly for children and non-obese young adults including women of reproductive age group. If USG findings are unequivocal and correlate with clinical assessment, no further imaging is needed. In case of equivocal USG findings or clinico-radiological dissociation, follow-up/further imaging (computed tomography (CT) scan/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) is recommended. In pediatric and pregnant patients with inconclusive initial USG, MRI is the next option. Routine use of CT scan for diagnosis of AA needs to be discouraged. Our proposed version of a practical imaging algorithm, with USG first and always has been incorporated in the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotindu Debnath
- Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 411040, India
| | - R A George
- Senior Adviser (Radiodiagnosis), Command Hospital (Air Force), Bengaluru, India
| | - R Ravikumar
- Professor & Head, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 411040, India
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Sanchez TR, Corwin MT, Davoodian A, Stein-Wexler R. Sonography of Abdominal Pain in Children: Appendicitis and Its Common Mimics. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2016; 35:627-635. [PMID: 26892821 DOI: 10.7863/ultra.15.04047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal pain is very common in the pediatric population (<18 years of age). Sonography is a safe modality that can often differentiate the frequently encountered causes of abdominal pain in children. This pictorial essay will discuss the sonographic findings of acute appendicitis, including the imaging appearance of a perforated appendicitis. It will also present the sonographic features of the relatively common mimics of appendicitis, such as mesenteric adenitis/gastroenteritis, intussusception, Meckel diverticulum, and ovarian torsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ray Sanchez
- Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center Children's Hospital, Sacramento California USA (T.R.S., R.S.-W.); Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California USA (M.T.C., R.S.-W.); and University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California USA (A.D.)
| | - Michael T Corwin
- Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center Children's Hospital, Sacramento California USA (T.R.S., R.S.-W.); Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California USA (M.T.C., R.S.-W.); and University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California USA (A.D.)
| | - Andrew Davoodian
- Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center Children's Hospital, Sacramento California USA (T.R.S., R.S.-W.); Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California USA (M.T.C., R.S.-W.); and University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California USA (A.D.)
| | - Rebecca Stein-Wexler
- Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center Children's Hospital, Sacramento California USA (T.R.S., R.S.-W.); Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California USA (M.T.C., R.S.-W.); and University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California USA (A.D.)
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Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Appendix: A Potential Pitfall in the Sonographic Diagnosis of Appendicitis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2016; 206:189-94. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.15.14846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Long-term outcomes of operative versus nonoperative treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis. J Pediatr Surg 2015; 50:1893-7. [PMID: 26259556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although nonoperative treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis is now an accepted approach, there are few reports in children. The aim of this study was to compare long-term outcomes between operative and nonoperative treatment in children. METHODS Between April 2007 and December 2013, all uncomplicated appendicitis patients were asked to select either operative (laparoscopic surgery) or nonoperative treatment on admission. For nonoperative treatment, intravenous injection of antibiotics was continued until serum C-reactive protein concentration decreased to below 0.5mg/dL. A questionnaire survey on satisfaction with treatment was added afterwards and performed more than 1year after treatment. RESULTS Eighty-six patients chose operative treatment, and 78 chose nonoperative treatment. The success rate of nonoperative treatment was 98.7%. There was no difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups. Ileus occurred in two operatively-treated patients, while recurrence of appendicitis occurred in 22 nonoperatively-treated patients (28.6 %) after an average of 4.3years of follow-up. The overall nonoperative treatment failure including both early failure and recurrence occurred more frequently among those with appendicoliths than without appendicoliths. Satisfaction levels were higher for operative treatment. CONCLUSIONS Although the success rate of nonoperative treatment was very high, a considerable number of patients experienced recurrence.
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Dickson-Lowe RA, Ibrahim S, Munthali L, Hasan F. Intussusception of the vermiform appendix. BMJ Case Rep 2015; 2015:bcr2014207584. [PMID: 26184356 PMCID: PMC4513543 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-207584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Appendicitis is a common presentation to an acute general surgical on call team. It can be a difficult diagnosis at times, particularly in sexually active young women, in whom it is often surgically challenging. This case is of a relatively straightforward diagnosis, taken for laparoscopic appendicectomy that resulted in performing an open right hemicolectomy for a necrotic, intussuscepted appendix. Histology ultimately revealed the cause of intussusception and resultant infarction of the appendix to be endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sherine Ibrahim
- Department of General Surgery, Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, UK
| | - Lamios Munthali
- Department of Histopathology, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK
| | - Fazal Hasan
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK
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Correlation between Clinical, Sonographic and Pathologic Findings of Patients Undergoing Appendectom. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2015. [DOI: 10.20286/ijtmgh-030275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Abstract
ABSTRACTEvaluating children for appendicitis can be extremely difficult, and various strategies have been developed to improve the precision of preoperative diagnosis. Among these, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) are now widely used but remain controversial. Although CT scanning is superior to ultrasound in terms of diagnostic accuracy for appendicitis, the large dose of ionizing radiation from CT and the risk of subsequent radiation-induced malignancy (RIM) are of particular concern in pediatric patients. This article reviews the literature on the pathophysiology, morbidity and mortality of appendicitis, summarizes the data regarding pediatric imaging in appendicitis, provides a practical approach to imaging for clinicians who evaluate pediatric patients, and makes recommendations for reducing the risk of RIM in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald D G Brennan
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Children's Hospital of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Journal Club: the Alvarado score as a method for reducing the number of CT studies when appendiceal ultrasound fails to visualize the appendix in adults. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2015; 204:519-26. [PMID: 25714280 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.14.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the hypothesis that Alvarado scores of 3 or lower identify adult patients who are unlikely to benefit from CT after appendiceal ultrasound fails to show the appendix and is otherwise normal. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We identified 119 consecutive adults for whom the appendix was not seen on otherwise normal appendiceal sonography performed as the first imaging study for suspected appendicitis, who subsequently underwent CT within 48 hours, and whose data permitted retrospective calculation of admission Alvarado scores. Specific benefits of CT were defined as diagnoses of appendicitis or significant alternative findings, and specific benefits were compared between patients with Alvarado scores of 3 or less and 4 or higher. Significant alternative findings on CT were findings other than appendicitis that were treated with medical or surgical therapy during the admission or that were to be addressed during follow-up care. Diagnostic reference standards were discharge diagnoses, pathologic examinations, and clinical follow-up. RESULTS. No patients (0.0%, 0/49) with Alvarado scores 3 or lower had appendicitis, compared with 17.1% (12/70) of patients with Alvarado scores 4 or higher (p = 0.001), and CT showed neither appendicitis nor significant alternative findings in 85.7% (42/49) versus 58.6% (41/70) of these patients, respectively (p = 0.002). The rates of perforated appendicitis, as well as significant alternative CT findings, did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION. Adults with Alvarado scores 3 or lower who have nonvisualized appendixes and otherwise normal appendiceal sonography are at very low risk for appendicitis or significant alternative findings and therefore are not likely to benefit from CT.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to determine whether age-related changes in appendiceal diameter identified on CT and pathology are apparent on sonography and to assess the relationship between normal appendiceal diameter and patient-specific factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ultrasound examinations from 388 unique pediatric patients with normal appendixes, evenly distributed by age, were reviewed. Appendiceal diameter and wall thickness were correlated with patient age, sex, height, weight, and presence of enlarged lymph nodes. RESULTS Mean (± SD) anteroposterior and transverse appendiceal diameters were 4.4 ± 0.9 and 5.1 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Appendiceal diameter was normally distributed across the population but was not significantly associated with age. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) weight percentile for age was the only statistically significant patient-specific predictor of transverse diameter (p = 0.001) and approached significance for anteroposterior diameter (p = 0.051). The presence of enlarged lymph nodes was a significant predictor of anteroposterior diameter (p = 0.029) and approached significance for transverse diameter (p = 0.07). Wall thickness was normally distributed across the population and was significantly associated with age (p = 0.011; effect size, -0.05 mm/y). CONCLUSION Appendiceal diameter measured on ultrasound is normally distributed in children and does not depend on age. Age-dependent diagnostic cutoffs for normal sonographic diameter are thus not needed. There is, however, a relationship between age and appendiceal wall thickness, suggesting the need for age-dependent diagnostic values if this criteria are to be used to diagnose appendicitis. Although the CDC weight percentile for age and the presence of enlarged lymph nodes affect appendiceal diameter on ultrasound, these effects are small and of doubtful clinical significance.
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Three-step sequential positioning algorithm during sonographic evaluation for appendicitis increases appendiceal visualization rate and reduces CT use. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2015; 203:1006-12. [PMID: 25341138 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.13.12334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to examine the rates of appendiceal visualization by sonography, imaging-based diagnoses of appendicitis, and CT use after appendiceal sonography, before and after the introduction of a sonographic algorithm involving sequential changes in patient positioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a search engine to retrospectively identify patients who underwent graded-compression sonography for suspected appendicitis during 6-month periods before (period 1; 419 patients) and after (period 2; 486 patients) implementation of a new three-step positional sonographic algorithm. The new algorithm included initial conventional supine scanning and, as long as the appendix remained nonvisualized, left posterior oblique scanning and then "second-look" supine scanning. Abdominal CT within 7 days after sonography was recorded. RESULTS Between periods 1 and 2, appendiceal visualization on sonography increased from 31.0% to 52.5% (p < 0.001), postsonography CT use decreased from 31.3% to 17.7% (p < 0.001), and the proportion of imaging-based diagnoses of appendicitis made by sonography increased from 63.8% to 85.7% (p = 0.002). The incidence of appendicitis diagnosed by imaging (either sonography or CT) remained similar at 16.5% and 17.3%, respectively (p = 0.790). Sensitivity and overall accuracy were 57.8% (95% CI, 44.8-70.1%) and 93.0% (95% CI, 90.1-95.3%), respectively, in period 1 and 76.5% (95% CI, 65.8-85.2%) and 95.4% (95% CI, 93.1-97.1%), respectively, in period 2. Similar findings were observed for adults and children. CONCLUSION Implementation of an ultrasound algorithm with sequential positioning significantly improved the appendiceal visualization rate and the proportion of imaging-based diagnoses of appendicitis made by ultrasound, enabling a concomitant decrease in abdominal CT use in both children and adults.
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Yaqoob J, Idris M, Alam MS, Kashif N. Can outer-to-outer diameter be used alone in diagnosing appendicitis on 128-slice MDCT? World J Radiol 2014; 6:913-918. [PMID: 25550996 PMCID: PMC4278152 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i12.913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess the frequency of visualization, position and diameter of normal appendix on 128-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in adult population.
METHODS: Retrospective cross sectional study conducted at Radiology Department, Dallah Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from March 2013 to October 2013. Non-enhanced computed tomography scans of abdomen and pelvis of 98 patients presenting with hematuria (not associated with abdominal pain, fever or colonic disease) were reviewed by two radiologists, blinded to patient history. The study group included 55 females and 43 males with overall mean age of 54.7 years (range 21 to 94 years). The coronal reformatted images were reviewed in addition to the axial images. The frequency of visualization of appendix was recorded with assessment of position, diameter and luminal contents.
RESULTS: The appendix was recorded as definitely visualized in 99% of patients and mean outer-to-outer diameter of the appendix was 5.6 ± 1.3 mm (range 3.0-11.0 mm).
CONCLUSION: MDCT with its multiplanar reformation display is extremely useful for visualization of normal appendix. The normal appendix is very variable in its position and diameter. In the absence of other signs, the diagnosis of acute appendix should not be made solely on outer-to-outer appendiceal diameter.
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Abstract
We present the case of an 8-year-old girl with two emergency department visits for constipation and abdominal pain. Her medical history and physical examination noted by the emergency physician did not reveal a clear etiology of her symptoms until the second visit, when a point-of-care ultrasound was performed. The sonographic findings were consistent with a fecalith surrounded by fluid concerning for appendiceal rupture. A computerized tomographic scan of the abdomen confirmed these findings in addition to two large abscesses in the lower pelvis, which subsequently required percutaneous drainage. This case illustrates the utility of point-of-care ultrasound in the evaluation of the pediatric patient with abdominal pain when appendicitis is a concern, as well as the ability of the emergency physician to use this technology to guide treatment and care of pediatric patients.
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