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Komanchuk J, Martin DA, Killam R, Eccles R, Brindle ME, Khanafer I, Joffe AR, Blackwood J, Yu W, Gupta P, Sethi S, Moorjani V, Thompson G. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Provides Useful Diagnostic Information Following Equivocal Ultrasound in Children With Suspected Appendicitis. Can Assoc Radiol J 2021; 72:797-805. [PMID: 33648355 DOI: 10.1177/0846537121993797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In Canada, ultrasonography is the primary imaging modality for children with suspected appendicitis, yet equivocal studies are common. Magnetic resonance imaging provides promise as an adjunct imaging strategy. The primary objective of this study was to determine the proportion of children with suspected appendicitis and equivocal ultrasound where magnetic resonance imaging determined a diagnosis. METHODS A prospective consecutive cohort of children aged 5-17 years presenting to a tertiary pediatric Emergency Department with suspected appendicitis were enrolled. Participants underwent diagnostic and management strategies according to our local suspected appendicitis pathway, followed by magnetic resonance (Siemens Avanto 1.5 Tesla) imaging. Sub-specialty pediatric radiologists reported all images. RESULTS Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 101 children with suspected appendicitis. The mean age was 11.9 (SD 3.4) years and median Pediatric Appendicitis Score was 6 [IQR 4,8]. Ultrasonography was completed in 98/101 (97.0%). Of 53/98 (54.1%) with equivocal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging provided further diagnostic information in 41 (77.4%; 10 positive, 31 negative; 12 remained equivocal). Secondary findings of appendicitis on magnetic resonance imaging in children with equivocal ultrasound included abdominal free fluid (24, 45.3%), peri-appendiceal fluid (12, 22.6%), intraluminal appendiceal fluid (9, 17.0%), fat stranding (8, 15.1%), appendicolith (2, 3.8%), and peri-appendiceal abscess (1, 1.9%). The observed agreement between magnetic resonance imaging results and final diagnosis was 94.9% (kappa = 0.89).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Komanchuk
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dori-Ann Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rory Killam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robin Eccles
- Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mary E Brindle
- Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ijab Khanafer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ari R Joffe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaime Blackwood
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Weiming Yu
- Department of Pathology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Priya Gupta
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sanjay Sethi
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vijay Moorjani
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Graham Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Are We Doing Enough to Reduce Ionizing Radiation Exposure in Children?: An Analysis of Current Approaches to Pediatric Appendicitis Imaging at a Major Urban Medical Center. Pediatr Emerg Care 2020; 36:e222-e226. [PMID: 31274826 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate current imaging approaches in children with suspected appendicitis (AP) in the pediatric emergency department (ED) of a major urban medical center. METHODS Children aged 6 to 18 years who presented to a pediatric ED in 2016 with possible AP were identified by a keyword search. Charts were reviewed for the following: age, sex, time of evaluation, imaging study, results of imaging study, disposition, and outcome. RESULTS We calculated mean values and SD for continuous data. Initially, 503 charts were identified. Of these 503, 292 children were identified as having possible AP. Mean age was 10.7 years (SD, 2.7); 50.6% presented between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM the next morning. Of the 287 US studies performed, 114 (39.7%) were definitively positive or negative. Of these, 46 (16.0%) were negative for AP and 68 (23.7%) were positive. There were 173 (60.3%) ultrasounds that were equivocal. Computed tomography scans were performed in 41 (13.9%) of the total 292 patients, and 2 (0.7%) of the 292 received magnetic resonance imaging. Patient dispositions were as follows: discharged home, 163 (55.8%); admitted for appendectomy, 69 (23.6%); admitted for observation, 37 (12.7%); and extended observation in ED, 10 (3.4%). There were 83 (28.4%) total surgical and interventional radiology cases and 209 (71.6%) nonsurgical cases. Of the 81 appendectomies, 79 (97.5%) had an abnormal appendix, and 2 (2.5%) had no AP. Of the 79 abnormal appendices, 22 (27.8%) were perforated, 55 (69.6%) were not, and 2 (2.6%) were unclear. CONCLUSIONS Computed tomography scans were performed in 13.9% of patients with suspected AP. The overall AP rate was 28.4%. We plan to increase the use of magnetic resonance imaging and other modalities to reduce overall computed tomography usage.
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Mahankali SK, Abdel Razek AAK, Ahamed SA. Reliability of standardized reporting system of acute appendicitis in adults at low-dose 320-rows CT. Eur J Radiol Open 2019; 6:330-335. [PMID: 31768408 PMCID: PMC6872863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To assess the reliability of a standardized reporting system of acute appendicitis at low-dose 320-rows CT. Subjects and Methods Retrospective analysis CT of 78 patients with pathologically proven acute appendicitis. The study was performed at a low-dose 320-rows CT. The image analysis was performed by 2 radiologists according to a standardized reporting system of acute appendicitis. Results There was an excellent overall of the inter-observer agreement of both observers for the standardized reporting system of acute appendicitis (K = 0.89, 95 % CI = 0.87-0.92, P = 0.001). There was good inter-observer agreement for visualization of the appendix (K = 0.78, P = 0.001), the tip diameter (K = 0.75, P = 0.001), and a single wall thickness of appendix (K = 0.77, P = 0.001). There was excellent inter-observer agreement for outer to outer wall diameter (K = 0.82, P = 0.001), mucosal hyper-enhancement (K = 0.80, P = 0.001), appendicolith (K = 0.86, P = 0.001), gas in the appendix (K = 0.82, P = 0.001), surrounding fat stranding (K = 0.81, P = 0.001), focal cecal thickening (K = 0.85, P = 0.001), peri-appendiceal air (K = 0.87, P = 0.001), peri-appendicular fluid collection, phlegmon, or abscess (K = 0.82, P = 0.001), and right ovary cyst (K = 0.83, P = 0.001). Conclusion we concluded that excellent reliability of a standardized reporting system of acute appendicitis in the adults using low-dose 320-rows CT.
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Shen G, Wang J, Fei F, Mao M, Mei Z. Bedside ultrasonography for acute appendicitis: An updated diagnostic meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2019; 70:1-9. [PMID: 31404675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Faraji‐Goodarzi M. Sepsis after non-perforated acute appendicitis. Clin Case Rep 2019; 7:520-523. [PMID: 30899485 PMCID: PMC6406223 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Appendicitis is a worm-like appendage whose base is located on the posterior side of the inner cecum. Acute appendicitis is uncommon in children younger than 5 years old. The patient was a 1.5-year-old boy who was admitted to the hospital with a primary complaint of fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. A pathological report of acute puffiness appendicitis with peri appendicitis was confirmed. After two weeks of treatment, the patient was discharged with an good general condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Faraji‐Goodarzi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of PediatricsLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
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Kennedy TM, Thompson AD, Choudhary AK, Caplan RJ, Schenker KE, DePiero AD. Utility of applying white blood cell cutoffs to non-diagnostic MRI and ultrasound studies for suspected pediatric appendicitis. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 37:1723-1728. [PMID: 30587395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound studies in pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis are often non-diagnostic. The primary objective of this investigation was to determine if combining these non-diagnostic imaging results with white blood cell (WBC) cutoffs improves their negative predictive values (NPVs). METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted including patients ≤18 years old with suspected appendicitis who had MRI performed with or without a preceding ultrasound study in a pediatric emergency department. Imaging results were sorted into 2 diagnostic and 5 non-diagnostic categories. NPVs were calculated for the non-diagnostic MRI and ultrasound categories with and without combining them with WBC cutoffs of <10.0 and <7.5 × 109/L. RESULTS Of the 612 patients with MRI studies included, 402 had ultrasound studies performed. MRI with incomplete visualization of a normal appendix without secondary signs of appendicitis had an NPV of 97.9% that changed to 98.1% and 98.2% when combined with WBC cutoffs of <10.0 and <7.5, respectively. Ultrasound studies with incomplete visualization of a normal appendix without secondary signs had an NPV of 85.3% that improved to 94.8% and 96.5% when combined with WBC cutoffs of <10.0 and <7.5, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis, MRI studies with incomplete visualization of a normal appendix without secondary signs have a high NPV that does not significantly change with the use of these WBC cutoffs. In contrast, combining WBC cutoffs with ultrasound studies with the same interpretation identifies low-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Kennedy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA.
| | - Amy D Thompson
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA.
| | - Arabinda K Choudhary
- Department of Radiology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA.
| | - Richard J Caplan
- Value Institute, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Kathleen E Schenker
- Department of Radiology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA.
| | - Andrew D DePiero
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA.
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Hamid KA, Mohamed MA, Salih A. Acute Appendicitis in Young Children: A Persistent Diagnostic Challenge for Clinicians. Cureus 2018; 10:e2347. [PMID: 29796359 PMCID: PMC5959314 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.2347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute appendicitis is a grave and life-threatening condition in children, accounting for one to two cases per 10,000 in children less than four years' old. Prompt diagnosis and management are imperative to prevent serious complications, such as abscess formation, perforation, bowel obstruction, peritonitis, and sepsis. In young children, however, the diagnosis of this condition is challenging. The delayed utilization of imaging may further delay the diagnosis due to concerns of exposure to ionizing radiation. Even with a prompt diagnosis, controversy persists regarding medical versus operative management in these young patients. We report a case of a 21-month-old female who presented with fever, non-bilious, non-bloody emesis, and decreased tolerance for liquids and solids. The initial physical exam and imaging were suggestive of non-obstructive bowel distention. The patient was admitted to the pediatric floor. Overnight, the patient’s condition deteriorated severely and became septic. Repeat imaging revealed a 9-cm appendicular mass and a ruptured appendix. Antibiotic coverage was then broadened and the patient was transferred to the critical care unit for more intensive management. The patient’s septic condition improved over the upcoming few days and the parents elected to perform an elective appendectomy following resolution of the condition. Atypical presentations are common in this population. The difficulty in obtaining a reliable history and physical examination findings makes the diagnosis even more challenging. Moreover, concerns with radiation exposure may delay the diagnosis and increase the risk of perforation and peritonitis. Thus, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for acute appendicitis, particularly in young children, as this condition is commonly missed on initial presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewan A Hamid
- Department of Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
| | | | - Anas Salih
- Department of Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, Hurley Medical Center
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