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Dölling M, Rahimli M, Pachmann J, Szep M, Al-Madhi S, Andric M, Kahlert UD, Hofmann T, Boettcher M, Muñoz LE, Herrmann M, Perrakis A, Croner RS. Hidden Appendicoliths and Their Impact on the Severity and Treatment of Acute Appendicitis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4166. [PMID: 39064205 PMCID: PMC11278186 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In patients diagnosed with uncomplicated acute appendicitis (UAA), the absence of calcified deposits or stones, called appendicoliths, often leads to consideration of non-operative treatment (NOT), despite the notable treatment failure rate associated with this approach. Previous research has indirectly estimated the prevalence of appendicoliths to range between 15% and 38% retrospectively by CT scan, intraoperative palpation, and pathology report, thereby potentially missing certain concrements. Our hypothesis proposes that this reported prevalence significantly underestimates the occurrence of appendicoliths, which could explain the high failure rate of 29% of patients with appendicitis observed with NOT. Methods: In our prospective study, conducted with a cohort of 56 adult patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis (AA), we employed intraoperative extracorporeal incisions of the vermiform appendix, in addition to standard diagnostic methods. Results: Our findings revealed 50% more appendicoliths by intraoperative incision (n = 36, p < 0.001) compared to preoperative imaging (n = 24). Appendicoliths were present in 71.4% (n = 40, p < 0.001) of AA patients. Conclusions: These results suggest that conventional diagnostic procedures plausibly underestimate the actual prevalence of appendicoliths, potentially elucidating the frequent treatment failures observed in NOT approaches applied to patients with UAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Dölling
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mirhasan Rahimli
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Pachmann
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Malik Szep
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sara Al-Madhi
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mihailo Andric
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ulf D. Kahlert
- Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Hofmann
- Central Emergency Department, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke-University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Boettcher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Luis E. Muñoz
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Herrmann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aristotelis Perrakis
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Iatriko Medical Center, Department of General, Minimally Invasive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, 15125 Athens, Greece
| | - Roland S. Croner
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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Kaewlai R, Wongveerasin P, Lekanamongkol W, Wongsaengchan D, Teerasamit W, Tongsai S, Khamman P, Chatkaewpaisal A, Noppakunsomboon N, Apisarnthanarak P. CT of appendicoliths in adult appendicitis: clinical significance and characteristics of overlooked cases. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:2534-2545. [PMID: 37837538 PMCID: PMC10957675 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10273-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accurate computed tomography (CT) identification of appendicoliths in adults with acute appendicitis is crucial as it may preclude nonoperative management due to high risk of failure and complications. This investigation aimed to identify the significance of appendicoliths in acute appendicitis and to evaluate the performance of portovenous-phase (PVP) CT and the consequences of overlooked appendicoliths. METHODS CT examinations of 324 consecutive patients (mean age 51.9 years, 112 men) with pathologically confirmed acute appendicitis were retrospectively included. Two radiologists independently reviewed the images, and disagreement was resolved by a consensus. RESULTS Appendicoliths were identified in 134/324 patients, of which 75 had complicated appendicitis. Among 190 patients without appendicoliths, 52 had complicated appendicitis. An appendicolith was independently associated with complicated appendicitis (adjusted odds ratio 2.289; 95% CI: 1.343-3.902; p = 0.002). The larger minimum diameter was significantly associated with complication. The 4.5-/6.0-mm cutoffs for minimum and maximum diameters of appendicoliths demonstrated 82.7%/85.3% sensitivity and 35.6%/33.9% specificity in predicting complications. The PVP alone had 82.1-88.1% sensitivity, respectively per patient and per appendicolith, and a 100% specificity in the detection of appendicoliths, as compared with combined noncontrast and PVP. PVP overlooked 28/237 appendicoliths (11.8%) corresponding to 24/134 patients (17.9%). Of the 24 patients with overlooked appendicoliths, 16 had complicated appendicitis but 14 were correctly categorized by findings other than appendicoliths. In total, 2/127 patients (1.6%) with complicated appendicitis were misdiagnosed as having uncomplicated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS Appendicoliths in acute appendicitis were strongly associated with complications. While PVP overlooked some appendicoliths, only 1.6% of complicated appendicitis were misclassified when considering other CT findings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT This study found a strong association between appendicoliths and complications. Its presence may preclude conservative management. Although portovenous-phase CT overlooked some appendicoliths, the combination with other CT findings allowed correct classification in a vast majority of cases. KEY POINTS • Accurate identification of appendicoliths is crucial for nonoperative management decisions in adult acute appendicitis. • Appendicoliths are strongly associated with complications in adult acute appendicitis. • Portovenous-phase CT overlooked some appendicoliths, but only a small percentage of patients with complicated appendicitis were misclassified when considering other CT findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rathachai Kaewlai
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Pootipong Wongveerasin
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Warunyou Lekanamongkol
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Dhanawin Wongsaengchan
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Wanwarang Teerasamit
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Sasima Tongsai
- Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Pramuk Khamman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Anchisa Chatkaewpaisal
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Napakadol Noppakunsomboon
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Piyaporn Apisarnthanarak
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
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Sheikh S, Kaur M, Zaitoun AM, Lobo DN. A recurrent retrohepatic abscess secondary to a dropped appendicolith. Radiol Case Rep 2024; 19:1176-1180. [PMID: 38259712 PMCID: PMC10801145 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.12.040] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Appendicoliths can drop into the peritoneal cavity during the course of an appendicectomy, or more commonly as a result of perforated appendicitis. We report the case of a patient with a history of recurrent retrohepatic abscesses over 7-year period due to a retained appendicolith and review the literature on perihepatic abscesses caused by retained appendicoliths. The abscess had been drained percutaneously 4 times without retrieval of the appendicolith and eventually the patient needed a laparotomy, drainage of the abscess, and extraction of the appendicolith. Treatment of abscesses secondary to dropped appendicoliths may be percutaneous, laparoscopic, or via conventional open surgery, but it is important to retrieve the appendicolith if recurrent abscess formation is to be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzeb Sheikh
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, Division of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Muskan Kaur
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, Division of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Abed M. Zaitoun
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, Division of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Dileep N. Lobo
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, Division of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Hennenberg J, Zott T, Berger-Kulemann V, Schiefer AI, Kristo I. Diagnosis and Management of the Largest Documented Appendicolith in Literature: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e54353. [PMID: 38500926 PMCID: PMC10946294 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54353] [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] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This case report depicts the diagnosis and management of the largest documented appendicolith found in the medical literature so far, measuring 4.5 cm. A 44-year-old male patient presented with a distended abdomen, right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain, constipation, and the inability to consume solid food. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Abdominal X-rays showed a densely calcified structure in the right lower quadrant, and further imaging confirmed the diagnosis of appendicolithiasis. The surgical indication for appendectomy was determined, and an open surgical procedure was performed due to the severity of inflammation, minimal perforation, and extensive adhesions. The surgically removed appendix with the appendicolith was analyzed histologically, confirming appendicolithiasis, periappendicitis, perforation, and serositis. The patient was discharged in stable condition after postoperative management. Giant appendicoliths are rare and associated with an increased risk of complications. Diagnosis is typically clinical but can be enhanced by imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Zott
- General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, AUT
| | | | | | - Ivan Kristo
- General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, AUT
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Higgins R, Spacey A. Delivering person-centred dementia care: Perceptions of radiography practitioners within diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy departments. DEMENTIA 2023; 22:1586-1603. [PMID: 37450578 PMCID: PMC10521153 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231189061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite abundant literature on the diagnosis of dementia, limited research has explored the lived experiences of radiography practitioners when providing care to people living with dementia in the department. OBJECTIVES This qualitative study explored the perceptions and compatibility of current professional guidance by both diagnostic imaging and radiotherapeutic radiography practitioners as well as the key stakeholders involved with developing the Society and College of Radiographers clinical practice guidelines for caring for people with dementia. METHODS This was a two-phase multi-method study. Fifteen diagnostic imaging and two therapeutic radiography practitioners from across the UK participated with online focus group discussions. Four key stakeholders involved with the development of the Society and College of Radiographers guidelines took part with individual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis included narrative and thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants from both phases identified enablers and barriers to providing person-centred dementia care. Three superordinate themes were identified linked to (1) Working with care partners, (2) Departmental environmental design, and (3) Communication and interprofessional infrastructure. DISCUSSION Many radiography practitioners still feel unprepared when caring for people living with dementia despite the clinical practice guidelines. Care partners were identified as having the potential to help alleviate some of the challenges radiographers faced. Participants were also aware of the impact of the departmental environment and recognised that poor way finding designs could lead to frustration. Radiography practitioners were not always aware that a patient was living with dementia prior to their attendance in the department making it difficult for practitioners to make appropriate accommodations such as additional time at appointments or the departmental environment. Our findings suggest there is a need for profession specific education and training for radiography practitioners to support the provision of person-centred dementia care. There is also a need to support the design of dementia friendly diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Higgins
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Adam Spacey
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK
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