When appendicitis is suspected in children

Characterization and quantification of fluid in the abdomen by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in children with clinical suspicion of appendicitis

PURPOSE

While regarded as a secondary sign of pediatric appendicitis, the frequency of physiologic intra-abdominal fluid in children with suspected but absent appendicitis is unknown. Ex vivo: to assess the validity of US/MRI measurements of free fluid. In vivo: in suspected pediatric appendicitis, to assess the amount of abdominal fluid by US and MRI, determine performance characteristics of US in fluid detection and identify fluid volume ranges in confirmed appendicitis.

METHODS

Ex vivo: criterion validity of US and MRI for fluid volume measurements was tested using tissue-mimicking phantoms filled with different volumes of distilled water. In vivo: all participants from a previous prospective study of suspected appendicitis were evaluated by US; MRI was performed after equivocal USs. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of abdominal fluid and correlation of fluid presence with appendicitis were performed.

RESULTS

Ex vivo: no difference was found between phantom-fluid amount and measured volume using the formula for volume of an ellipsoid for US (P=0.19) or MRI (P=0.08). In vivo: intra-abdominal fluid was present in 212/591 (35.9%) patients; 75/212 patients with fluid (35.4%) had appendicitis, 60 (28.3%) had alternate diagnoses, and 77 (36.3%) had physiologic fluid. Sensitivity and specificity of US for fluid detection were 84% (95% CI 71-93) and 65% (95% CI 52-77), respectively. In children with versus without appendicitis, the respective ranges of fluid volume were 0.7-1148.8 ml and 0.8-318 ml.

CONCLUSION

The volume of an ellipsoid formula is a valid method for quantifying intra-abdominal fluid. The sole presence of intra-abdominal fluid on US does not support the diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis.

Diagnostic value of monocyte-lymphocyte ratio and red cell distribution width- lymphocyte ratio against other biomarkers in children with acute appendicitis, cross-sectional study

Our study aims to ascertain the diagnostic value of the Monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and red cell distribution width (RDW)-lymphocyte ratio (RLR) by comparing them with other biomarkers in distinguishing patients with and without acute appendicitis (AA). A total of 223 children were recruited in the study conducted according to the Cross-Sectional Study design. Patients under 18 years were assigned to 3 groups; AA, nonspecific abdominal pain (NAP), and a control group. According to the outcome of our research, while C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil count (NEU), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and MLR had excellent diagnostic power, RLR had acceptable diagnostic power, and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) had only fair diagnostic power. MLR and NLR, which are simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible parameters, can be recommended to be used together with other biomarkers in diagnosing AA in children.

Pediatrik Apandisit Olgularında Ultrasonografinin Tanısal Duyarlılığı

Amaç: Çalışmamızda pediatrik yaş grubunda ultrasonografinin apandisit tanısındaki duyarlılığının araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Gereç Yöntem: Operasyon sonucu apandisit tanısı alan, preoperatif USG tetkiki gerçekleştirilmiş olan ve akut batın nedeni olan ek patolojisi bulunmayan 87 pediatrik olgu çalışmaya dahil edildi. Olguların USG raporları retrospektif olarak incelenerek USG’ nin apandisit tanısındaki duyarlılığı araştırıldı. Ayrıca olguların lökosit sayıları, nötrofil oranları ve CRP değerleri hastane arşivinden ve varsa BT tetkikleri PACS sisteminden incelendi. Bulgular: Olguların %71’i akut apandisit, %29’u perfore apandisitti. Olguların %74’ünün USG’si apandisit ile uyumlu olup USG’nin tanı duyarlılığı %74’dü, %16 olguda USG’de sekonder apandisit bulguları izlenirken %10 olguda USG tetkiki tamamen normaldi. USG ile tanı konulamayan %26 olgudan %10 olgunun tanısı BT ile konulmuş olup %16 olguda tanıya klinik bulgularla gidilmişti. Olguların %62’sinde lökositoz, %84’ünde nötrofil oranında artış (sola kayma), %86’sında ise CRP yüksekliği bulunmaktaydı ve olguların tamamında bu parametrelerin en az biri yüksekti. Sonuç: Ultrasonografi her durumda tanı koymak için yeterli olmasa da çalışmamızda ulaşılan yüksek duyarlılık oranı, ultrasonografinin akut apandisit şüphesi bulunan pediatrik hastalarda ilk seçenek tanı aracı olarak kullanılabileceği bilgisini desteklemektedir.

Comparative Analysis of the Acute Appendicitis Management in Children Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common emergency surgical diseases in pediatric population. Herein, we aimed to compare the incidence and severity of AA before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This multicenter study was conducted in three medical faculty hospitals between the periods of 15 March-30 June 2019 (Group A), and the pandemic period of 15 March-30 June 2020(Group B). We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients in each group due to age, gender, serum leukocyte, C-reactive protein, radiological imaging use of postop peritoneal drain and presence of serious complications. Results: A total of 141 patients were identified, 64 in Group A and 77 in Group B. We found higher complication rates in Group B. Fewer patients applied in Group B, but a higher rate of AA was diagnosed. During the COVID-19 period, more patients were admitted with the later stages of the AA and with significant complications. Radiological imaging of patients with appendicitis in Group B showed more severe disease than cases in Group A. Conclusion: Higher rate of perforated and complicated appendicitis in the pandemic period was due to misdiagnosis/delayed diagnosis in primary care centers as a result of fear from contagious coronavirus. While the period of the COVID - 19 pandemic presents difficulties in treating infected patients, we would like to emphasize the importance of a comprehensive assessment and physical examination in children with suspected surgical conditions.

Diagnostic Performance of a Staged Pathway for Imaging Acute Appendicitis in Children

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this work is to assess the performance of our staged diagnostic pathway in the evaluation of suspected appendicitis cases in children. The pathway consisted of clinical assessment by the emergency physician, performing initial ultrasound (US), consultation, and clinical reevaluation by the surgery team followed by a repeat focused US scan in inconclusive cases. Computed tomography (CT) was limited to cases where the repeat US remained inconclusive and the clinical reassessment indicated persistent concerns for appendicitis.

METHOD

Retrospective review of the electronic medical records of 206 consecutive children who presented to our emergency department with acute abdominal pain and underwent US examination for suspected appendicitis. The imaging findings, management plan, and surgical outcome (in those who underwent surgery) were reviewed. The diagnostic performance of the initial US, repeat US, and the full imaging protocol were evaluated including the negative appendectomy rate (NAR) and the number of CT scans performed.

RESULTS

Of the 206 cases, 73 (35.4%) had appendicitis. Computed tomography was performed in 9 (4.3%) of 206 cases. The US/CT ratio was 23:1. Our approach showed a diagnostic accuracy of 95.6% (197/206), sensitivity of 97.3% (73/75), specificity of 93.7% (124/133), positive predictive value of 89.0% (73/82), and negative predictive value of 98.7% (82/95). The NAR was 2.7% (2/72). The accuracy of the protocol is higher than that of the initial US alone (61.2%; 126/206) and that of the repeat US (84.2%; 16/19).

CONCLUSION

The strategy of repeating limited focused US followed by CT scan in cases that remain inconclusive has good diagnostic accuracy and reasonable NAR and decreases the number of CT scans.

Management of Acute Appendicitis during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Acute appendicitis is the most common reason for abdominal surgery in children. Though appendectomy considered the gold standard there are a lot of complications related to it. Conservative management of acute appendicitis is not new to medical science. In pandemic like COVID-19 when all the health systems were about to shut-down because of lack of manpower and resources, we started a trial of non-operative management. The main aim of this study is to find out the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19.

METHODS

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care centre. Data collection was done from the record section which included the patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis from February 2020 to July 2020 after obtaining ethical clearance from Institutional Review Committee. Cases of appendicular lump, appendicular abscess, appendicular perforations have been excluded. Data was collected and entry was done in Statistical Package for the Social Science software version 20, point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data.

RESULTS

The conservative management of acute appendicitis was done in 44 cases (55.7%) while 35 cases (44.3%) had to undergo appendectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 can complicate the perioperative course as a result of direct lung injury and multiple organ dysfunctions and can also bring serious threats to the safety of medical staffs involved in managing the acute appendicitis case operatively, so conservative management can be considered as an alternative way of management of acute appendicitis in the pandemic outbreak.

Influence of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic on acute appendicitis

INTRODUCTION

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common abdominal surgical emergency. No specific studies have been found that evaluate the impact of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic on AA and its surgical management. An analysis was made on the influence of this new pathology on the clinical course of AA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective observational study was conducted on patients operated on for AA from January to April 2020. They were classified according to the time of the appendectomy, before the declaration of the state of alarm (Pre-COVID-19), and after its declaration (Post-COVID-19) in Spain, one the most affected countries in the world. An evaluation was made of demographic variables, duration of symptoms, type of appendicitis, surgical time, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The study included 66 patients (41 Pre-COVID-19; 25 Post-COVID-19) with mean age of 10.7 ± 3 and 9.3 ± 3.1; P = .073, respectively. Fever was found in a higher number of post-COVID-19 patients (52 vs 19.5%; P = .013), as well as a higher CRP (72.7 ± 96.2 vs 31.3 ± 36.2 mg/dL; P = .042). This group presented with a higher proportion of complicated appendicitis when compared to Pre-COVID-19 (32 vs 7.3%; P = .015). The mean hospital stay was longer in the Post-COVID-19 group (5.6 ± 5.9 vs 3.2 ± 4.3 days; P = .041). No differences were found in the time of onset of symptoms or surgical time.

CONCLUSIONS

The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic influenced the time of diagnosis of appendicitis, as well as its course, and mean hospital stay. Peritonitis was more frequently seen. As a result of the significant circumstances, delaying diagnosis and treatment of AA during SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, inappropriate management of this common surgical disorder has been noticed.

[Influence of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic on acute appendicitis]

INTRODUCTION

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common abdominal surgical emergency. No specific studies have been found that evaluate the impact of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic on AA and its surgical management. An analysis was made on the influence of this new pathology on the clinical course of AA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective observational study was conducted on patients operated on for AA from January to April 2020. They were classified according to the time of the appendectomy, before the declaration of the state of alarm (pre-COVID-19), and after its declaration (post-COVID-19) in Spain, one the most affected countries in the world. An evaluation was made of demographic variables, duration of symptoms, type of appendicitis, surgical time, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The study included 66 patients (41 pre-COVID-19; 25 post-COVID-19) with mean age of 10.7 ± 3 and 9.3 ± 3.1; P = .073, respectively. Fever was found in a higher number of post-COVID-19 patients (52 vs. 19.5%; P = 0.013), as well as a higher CRP (72.7 ± 96.2 vs. 31.3 ± 36.2 mg/dL; P = 0.042). This group presented with a higher proportion of complicated appendicitis when compared to pre-COVID-19 (32 vs. 7.3%; P = 0.015). The mean hospital stay was longer in the post-COVID-19 group (5.6 ± 5.9 vs. 3.2 ± 4.3 days; P = 0.041). No differences were found in the time of onset of symptoms or surgical time.

CONCLUSIONS

The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic influenced the time of diagnosis of appendicitis, as well as its course, and mean hospital stay. Peritonitis was more frequently seen. As a result of the significant circumstances, delaying diagnosis and treatment of AA during SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, inappropriate management of this common surgical disorder has been noticed.

Evaluating Changes in Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound for Appendicitis: Does Practice Make Perfect?

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound (US) is the preferred method of initial evaluation for appendicitis in pediatrics. However, limited accuracy of US for appendicitis is an obstacle to implementation of US-first protocols at facilities less experienced with US.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to demonstrate changes in diagnostic accuracy of US for appendicitis over time, after implementation of an US-first protocol. Secondary objectives included evaluating trends in utilization and factors associated with accuracy of US.

METHODS

We reviewed 5 years of pediatric emergency department encounters that included US evaluations for appendicitis. The primary outcome was conclusive US (fully visualized normal appendix or unequivocal appendicitis) vs. equivocal US (partially visualized or nonvisualized appendix). We also analyzed rates of conclusive US over time; accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of US for appendicitis; and associations of US accuracy with patient gender, body mass index, and ultrasonographer's experience.

RESULTS

A conclusive US report was found in 267 of 1058 encounters (25.2%); overall accuracy rate was 24.5%. Over 5 years, the diagnostic accuracy of US for appendicitis improved significantly from 13.9% to 31.5% (p = 0.001). Overall sensitivity was 80.7% and specificity was 77.6%. Male gender and dedicated US of the appendix were significantly associated with conclusive US (ps < 0.001). Higher body mass index was significantly associated with equivocal US (p < 0.001). Ultrasonographer experience was not significantly associated with conclusive US (p = 0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

An US-first imaging protocol for appendicitis in children shows chronologic improvement in diagnostic accuracy. This may provide encouragement to facilities using computed tomography-based diagnostic protocols to implement US-first protocols to reduce childhood radiation exposure.

Study of management of appendicular abscess in children

AIM

To compare the outcomes in children who underwent emergency surgery and those who underwent percutaneous drainage for appendicular abscess.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective study, 45 children of appendicular abscess detected on ultrasonogram (USG) were included in the study. The following characteristics were registered: age, gender, the time from onset of symptoms to seeking care, pain, vomiting, fever and general peritonitis; white blood cell count. The size, location of the abscess was noted on USG. After the diagnosis, we divided the patients into two groups based on the type of management. Patients who underwent emergency surgery and appendectomy (Group 1) which composed of twenty patients (14 males and six females) with their ages ranged from 3 to 18 years, and patients treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage and interval appendectomy (Group 2) which composed of 25 patients, (15 males and ten females) with their ages ranged from 2 to 18 years.

RESULTS

Group 1 included twenty patients and Group 2 included 25 patients. In Group 1, on USG the average size of the abscess was 7.2 ± 2.5 cm. After the surgery regained their functional recovery during a mean period of 3.2 ± 1 days. In Group 2, on USG average abscess size was 6.8 ± 2.4 cm. After the procedure regained their functional recovery on the second day. No major complications were noted in Group 2. On the contrary, 12 patients (60%) of Group 1 show complications in the form of wound infection in eight children and wound dehiscence in four children.

CONCLUSIONS

USG-guided percutaneous drainage was safe and effective way of management of appendicular abscess.

Usefulness of the pediatric appendicitis score for assessing the severity of acute appendicitis in children

BACKGROUND

We investigated relationships between the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS) and pathological progression and disease severity in pediatric acute appendicitis.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 72 children who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis. We divided them into groups: simple appendicitis (n = 28) or complicated appendicitis (n = 44). We compared the influence of age, body temperature, blood test findings, hospitalization period, number of complications, and PAS between the groups. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the PAS for diagnosing complicated appendicitis. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to evaluate the cut-off value for diagnosing complicated appendicitis. To assess the severity of acute appendicitis, we divided the patients into groups according to that cut-off value.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in the PAS between simple appendicitis and complicated appendicitis (5.8 versus 7.9). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated a PAS cut-off value of 8. A PAS ≥ 8 had a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 89%, a positive predictive value of 91%, and a negative predictive value of 68%. A PAS ≥ 8 was associated with significantly longer hospitalization and more complications than a PAS < 8.

CONCLUSIONS

The PAS may be associated with pathological progression and disease severity in appendicitis.

Survey of efficacy of pediatric appendicitis score in Iranian patients less than 18 years old referred to the emergency department

Introduction:

Abdominal pain, in particular appendicitis, is a common cause of emergency department visits in children. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important. There are different scoring systems for the diagnosis of appendicitis. This study is the first study to evaluate the performance and accuracy of pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) in Iranian children with abdominal pain in emergency departments.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study of children under 18 years with suspected appendicitis who were referred to the emergency medicine department of hospitals affiliated to SBMU during 2015. Acute appendicitis was determined according to pathological findings, and final PAS scores were calculated for all children. With statistical analysis, comparison between two groups was calculated and the diagnostic accuracy of PAS score was estimated.

Results:

88 children with mean age of 10.5 ± 3 were studied. According to clinical examination 58 of the children were suspected to have acute appendicitis and 30 others were healthy. In current study, the diagnostic accuracy and precision of PAS at cutoff of 5.5 in patients younger than 18 years admitted to the emergency department with suspected acute appendicitis was 91% and 92%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 93.88%, 86.21% and 92%, 89.29%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The results of current study showed that PAS has high diagnostic predictive value for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children under 18 years and due to the advantages listed for this score, its use is recommended for children in emergencies.

Bedside breath tests in children with abdominal pain: a prospective pilot feasibility study

Background

There is no definitive method of accurately diagnosing appendicitis before surgery. We evaluated the feasibility of collecting breath samples in children with abdominal pain and gathered preliminary data on the accuracy of breath tests.

Methods

We conducted a prospective pilot study at a large tertiary referral paediatric hospital in the UK. We recruited 50 participants with suspected appendicitis, aged between 5 and 15 years. Five had primary diagnosis of appendicitis. The primary outcome was the number of breath samples collected. We also measured the number of samples processed within 2 h and had CO₂ ≥ 3.5%. Usability was assessed by patient-reported pain pre- and post-sampling and user-reported sampling difficulty. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict appendicitis and evaluated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

Samples were collected from all participants. Of the 45 samples, 36 were processed within 2 h. Of the 49 samples, 19 had %CO₂ ≥ 3.5%. No difference in patient-reported pain was observed (p = 0.24). Sampling difficulty was associated with patient age (p = 0.004). The logistic regression model had AUROC = 0.86.

Conclusions

Breath tests are feasible and acceptable to patients presenting with abdominal pain in clinical settings. We demonstrated adequate data collection with no evidence of harm to patients. The AUROC was better than a random classifier; more specific sensors are likely to improve diagnostic performance.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03248102. Registered 14 Aug 2017.

Tales from the Night:: Emergency MR Imaging in Pediatric Patients after Hours

Overnight in-house radiology has rapidly become an important part of contemporary practice models, and is increasingly the norm in pediatric radiology. MR imaging is an indispensable first-line and problem-solving tool in the pediatric population. This has led to increasingly complex MR imaging being performed "after hours" on pediatric patients. This article reviews the factors that have led to widespread overnight subspecialty radiology and the associated challenges for overnight radiologists, and provides an overview of up-to-date imaging techniques and imaging findings of the most common indications for emergent MR imaging in the pediatric population.

Perforation risk in pediatric appendicitis: assessment and management

Perforated appendicitis, as defined by a visible hole in the appendix or an appendicolith free within the abdomen, carries significant morbidity in the pediatric population. Accurate diagnosis is challenging as there is no single symptom or sign that accurately predicts perforated appendicitis. Younger patients and those with increased duration of symptoms are at higher risk of perforated appendicitis. Elevated leukocytosis, bandemia, high C-reactive protein, hyponatremia, ultrasound, and CT are all useful tools in diagnosis. Distinguishing patients with perforation from those without is important given the influence of a perforation diagnosis on the management of the patient. Treatment for perforated appendicitis remains controversial as several options exist, each with its indications and merits, illustrating the complexity of this disease process. Patients may be managed non-operatively with antibiotics, with or without interval appendectomy. Patients may also undergo appendectomy early in the course of their index hospitalization. Factors known to predict failure of non-operative management include appendicolith, leukocytosis greater than 15,000 white blood cells per microliter, increased bands, and CT evidence of disease beyond the right lower quadrant. In this review, the indications and benefits of each treatment strategy will be discussed and an algorithm to guide treatment decisions will be proposed.

Biomarkers to estimate the probability of complicated appendicitis

BACKGROUND

The conventional paradigm that all children with appendicitis require an appendectomy is being challenged by the idea that some patients may be successfully managed non-operatively. The study aimed to determine if matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) are candidate biomarkers for estimating the probability of complicated appendicitis in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The study was a single-institution, prospective cohort study. MMP and TIMP serum protein concentrations were measured in patients with suspected appendicitis. Three hundred and thirty-one patients were enrolled with appendicitis. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was used to determine the combination of candidate biomarkers that best predicted complicated appendicitis.

RESULTS

The CART-generated decision tree for the derivation cohort included WBC count, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-2, and TIMP-4 and had the following test characteristics for estimating the probability of complicated appendicitis (95% CI): AUC 0.86 (0.81-0.90); sensitivity 91% (83-96); specificity 61% (53-68); positive predictive value 58% (50-66); negative predictive value 92% (84-96); positive likelihood ratio (LR) 2.3 (1.9-2.8); and negative LR 0.15 (0.08-0.3).

CONCLUSIONS

MMPs and TIMPs have the potential to serve as biomarkers to estimate the probability of complicated appendicitis in pediatric patients. The multi-biomarker-based decision tree has test characteristics suggesting clinical utility for decision making.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II: Study of Diagnostic Test.

Efficacy of Strain Elastography in Diagnosis and Staging of Acute Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients

Background

In the present study, the role and efficiency of strain elastography (SE) were evaluated in diagnosis and staging of acute appendicitis in pediatric patients.

Material/Methods

We enrolled 225 pediatric patients with suspected clinical and laboratory findings of acute appendicitis. Gray-scale sonographic findings were recorded and staging was made by the colorization method of SE imaging. Appendectomy was performed in all patients and the results of the surgical pathology were compared with the imaging findings. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of SE imaging were determined in terms of evaluating the “acute appendicitis”.

Results

Sonographic evaluation revealed acute appendicitis in 100 patients. Regarding the SE analysis, cases with appendicitis were classified into 3 groups as: mild (n=17), moderate (n=39), and severe (n=44). The pathological evaluation revealed 95 different stages of appendicitis and normal appendix in 5 cases: acute focal (n=10), acute suppurative (n=46), phlegmonous (n=27), and perforated (n=12), regarding the results of surgical pathology. Five patients with pathologically proven “normal” appendix were noted as “mild stage appendicitis” based on gray scale and SE analysis. In total, when gray-scale and SE results were compared with pathology results regardless of the stage of appendicitis, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy rates were 96%, 96%, 95%, 96.8%, and 96%, respectively. No statistically significant difference was detected between other groups (P<0.05).

Conclusions

In acute appendicitis, the use of SE imaging as a supportive method for the clinical approach can be useful in diagnosis, and its results are closely correlated with the histopathologic stage of appendix inflammation.

Importance of Clinical Decision Making by Experienced Pediatric Surgeons When Children Are Suspected of Having Acute Appendicitis: The Reality in a High-Volume Pediatric Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to compare the pediatric appendicitis score (PAS), the Alvarado score (AS), white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, procalcitonin level, and ultrasound (US) data, with the appendectomy decisions of pediatric surgeons diagnosing acute appendicitis (AA) in a real-life setting; this was a top-level, high-volume pediatric emergency department (PED) in a developing country.

METHODS

The study was conducted prospectively between January 2012 and June 2013 in the PED of the Tepecik Teaching and Research Hospital in Izmir, Turkey. The study was observational in nature; no attempt was made to influence indications for exploration or the timing thereof. Children aged 4 to 18 years presenting to the PED on suspicion of AA were included. The WBC, ANC, CRP level, and procalcitonin level were measured, and US was performed on all patients on admission. The PAS and AS were calculated. An operative decision was made by each pediatric surgeon who had the results of laboratory and radiological tests. The criterion standard for AA was histopathological assessment.

RESULTS

Upon receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, the areas under the ROCs (AUROCs) of the WBC, ANC, CRP level, procalcitonin level, US positivity, PAS, AS, and decisions of pediatric surgeons supported by laboratory and US data were 0.734, 0.741, 0.671, 0.675, 0.670, 0.831, 0.794, and 0.910, respectively. When US data were employed only in cases with PASs 4 to 7, the sensitivity increased but specificity decreased. The sensitivity and specificity of pediatric surgical decisions were 100% and 82.50%, respectively. The difference between the PAS AUROC and the pediatric surgeon decision-making AUROC was significant (P = 0.0393; 95% confidence interval, 0.0470-0.226).

CONCLUSIONS

Good pediatric surgical decision making supported by laboratory and US data for those suspected of AA may be the most effective diagnostic tool in a high-volume PED in a developing country.

Scoring system for differentiating perforated and non-perforated pediatric appendicitis

OBJECTIVES

Appendicitis is the most common indication for emergency pediatric surgery and its most significant complication is perforation. Perforated appendicitis (PA) may be managed conservatively, whereas non-perforated appendicitis (NP) is managed surgically. Recent studies have shown that ultrasound (US) is effective for differentiating between PA and NP, and does not expose pediatric patients to ionizing radiation. The purpose of this study is to enhance the accuracy of differentiation with a novel scoring system based on clinical, laboratory, and US findings.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 243 patients aged 2-17 years who presented between 2006 and 2013 with surgically proven appendicitis, of whom 60 had perforation. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and US images evaluated by a pediatric radiologist. To create the scoring system, point values were assigned to each parameter. A randomly selected training sample of 137 subjects was used to create a scoring prediction model. The model was tested on the remaining 106 patients.

RESULTS

Scores of ≥6, ≥11, and ≥15 yielded specificities of 64, 91, and 99%, and sensitivities of 96, 61, and 29%, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We have designed a scoring system incorporating clinical, laboratory, and sonographic findings which can differentiate PA from NP with high specificity.

Malpractice in Cases of Pediatric Appendicitis

Appendicitis is one of the most common diagnoses in children and is frequently the focus of alleged malpractice. Causes for medical malpractice claims and outcomes of disputes in pediatric patients with appendicitis are currently unknown. A retrospective database review of all medical malpractice claims concerning the diagnosis of appendicitis from 1984 to 2013 in pediatric patients was performed. Alleged claims, causes of malpractice, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Of the 203 included cases, failure or delays in diagnosing appendicitis are the most common causes of malpractice lawsuits and account for the majority of the largest payments to plaintiffs outcomes. Cases that ultimately went to trial resulted in defense verdicts in 67.5%. Mortality occurred in 19.9% of included cases. Timely diagnosis of appendicitis in children should be the focus of physicians across all specialties to improve patient safety and potentially reduce medicolegal liability.

Measurement error in CT assessment of appendix diameter

BACKGROUND

Appendiceal diameter continues to be cited as an important criterion for diagnosis of appendicitis by computed tomography (CT).

OBJECTIVE

To assess sources of error and variability in appendiceal diameter measurements by CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this institutional review board-approved review of imaging and medical records, we reviewed CTs performed in children <18 years of age between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010. Appendiceal diameter was measured in the axial and coronal planes by two reviewers (R1, R2). One year later, 10% of cases were remeasured. For patients who had multiple CTs, serial measurements were made to assess within patient variability. Measurement differences between planes, within and between reviewers, within patients and between CT and pathological measurements were assessed using correlation coefficients and paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Six hundred thirty-one CTs performed in 519 patients (mean age: 10.9 ± 4.9 years, 50.8% female) were reviewed. Axial and coronal measurements were strongly correlated (r = 0.92-0.94, P < 0.0001) with coronal plane measurements significantly larger (P < 0.0001). Measurements were strongly correlated between reviewers (r = 0.89-0.9, P < 0.0001) but differed significantly in both planes (axial: +0.2 mm, P=0.003; coronal: +0.1 mm, P=0.007). Repeat measurements were significantly different for one reviewer only in the axial plane (0.3 mm difference, P<0.05). Within patients imaged multiple times, measured appendix diameters differed significantly in the axial plane for both reviewers (R1: 0.5 mm, P = 0.031; R2: 0.7 mm, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Multiple potential sources of measurement error raise concern about the use of rigid diameter cutoffs for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis by CT.

Evaluation of scoring systems in predicting acute appendicitis in children

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children. Appendicitis scoring systems have been developed as a diagnostic tool to improve the decision-making process in patients with suspected acute appendicitis. This study evaluates the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score, Alvarado score, and Pediatric Appendicitis Score in children suspected of acute appendicitis.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively. All children younger than 18 years suspected of acute appendicitis who presented to the emergency department between January 2006 and June 2014 were included in this study. Variables were registered to evaluate 3 different appendicitis scoring systems. The diagnostic performance of the 3 scores was analyzed using the area under the receiver-operating curve and by calculating the diagnostic performances at different cut-off points.

RESULTS

The present study included 747 consecutive children. There were 399 boys (53%) and 348 girls (47%) with a mean age of 11 years (range, 1-17 years). In total, 269 children (36%) were diagnosed with acute appendicitis. The area under the receiver-operating curve of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score was 0.90, the Alvarado score was 0.87, and the Pediatric Appendicitis Score was 0.82 (P < .05, respectively). The specificity and positive predictive value of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score were better at predicting an acute appendicitis than that of the Alvarado score and Pediatric Appendicitis Score. In children with a low-risk acute appendicitis, false negative rates of 14% for the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response, 7% for the Alvarado, and 18% for the Pediatric Appendicitis Score were measured.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score had the highest discriminating power and outperformed the Alvarado score and Pediatric Appendicitis Score in predicting acute appendicitis in children. Excluding acute appendicitis safely in children with the scoring systems still remains uncertain.

Comparación del esquema antibiótico entre la Piperacilina-Tazobactam y Amikacina vs Metronidazol y Gentamicina en el tratamiento de la apendicitis complicada en niños

Introducción. Los pacientes que tuvieron complicaciones infecciosas post cirugía de apendicitis siguen usualmente un esquema de tratamiento establecido de antibióticos en el Hospital San Juan de Dios (HSJD). Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de 60 pacientes pediátricos con apendicitis complicada a quienes se les efectuó una apendicectomía abierta y se utilizó el esquema antibiótico de metronidazol y gentamicina. Objetivo. Evaluar la eficacia del esquema de antibióticos usados. Metodología. El estudio se efectuó en la Unidad de Cirugía Pediátrica del HGSJD en el período de tiempo de enero a diciembre de 2013. Se evaluaron las complicaciones infecciosas en los pacientes que requirieron la omisión de los antibióticos mencionados y el inicio de la combinación de piperacilina tazobactam – amikacina. Resultados. Hubo 56 (93%) pacientes en quienes el esquema inicial de metronidazol – gentamicina fue el único empleado sin que presentaran complicación infecciosa alguna, mientras que 4 (7%) pacientes presentaron colecciones abdominales que requirieron el cambio a piperacilina tazobactam-amikacina con lo que resolvieron la sepsis abdominal. Conclusiones. La utilización de la combinación antibiótica de metronidazol-gentamicina continúa siendo eficiente en la población pediátrica con apendicitis aguda complicada que consulta a nuestro hospital dejando el empleo de la piperacilina tazobactam y amikacina como una alternativa terapéutica útil.

An Imaging Diagnostic Protocol in Children with Clinically Suspected Acute Appendicitis

The objective of the present study is to evaluate a new diagnostic strategy using clinical findings followed by ultrasound (US) and, in selected cases, MRI. This study included 166 children presenting signs and symptoms suggesting acute appendicitis. Cases classified as suggesting appendicitis according to clinical exams had to be referred to surgery, whereas the other cases were discharged. Unclear cases were evaluated using US. If the US results were considered inconclusive, patients underwent MRI. Of the 166 patients, 78 (47%) had acute appendicitis and 88 (53%) had other diseases. The strategy under study had a sensitivity of 96 per cent, specificity of 100 per cent, positive predictive value of 100 per cent, negative predictive value of 97 per cent, and accuracy of 98 per cent. Eight patients remained undiagnosed and underwent MRI. After MRI two girls presented normal appendixes and were discharged. One girl had an enlarged appendix on MRI and appendicitis could have been confirmed by surgery. In the other five patients, no other sign of the disease was detected by MRI such as an inflammatory mass, free fluid or an abscess in the right iliac fossa. All of them were discharged after clinical observation. In the vast majority of cases the correct diagnosis was reached by clinical and US examinations. When clinical assessment and US findings were inconclusive, MRI was useful to detect normal and abnormal appendixes and valuable to rule out other abdominal pathologies that mimic appendicitis.

Diagnosing perforated appendicitis in pediatric patients: a new model

OBJECTIVE

Studies have investigated sensitivity and specificity of symptoms and tests for diagnosing appendicitis in children. Less is known with regard to the predictive value of these symptoms and tests with respect to the severity of appendicitis. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of patient's characteristics and tests for discriminating between perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Pediatric patients who underwent an appendectomy at Spaarne Hospital Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013, were included. Baseline patient's characteristics, history, physical examination, laboratory data and results of ultrasounds were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine predictors of perforation.

RESULTS

In total, 375 patients were included in this study of which 97 children (25.9%) had significant signs of perforation. Univariate analysis showed that age, duration of complaints, temperature, vomiting, CRP, WBC, different findings on ultrasound and the diameter of the appendix were good predictors of a perforated appendicitis. The final multivariate prediction model included temperature, CRP, clearly visible appendix and free fluids on ultrasound and diameter of the appendix and resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 showing sensitivity and specificity of respectively 85.2% and 81.2%.

CONCLUSION

This prediction model can be used for identification of 'high-risk' children for a perforated appendicitis and might be helpful to prevent complications and longer hospitalization by bringing these children to theater earlier.

Surgeon-performed ultrasound: accurate, reproducible, and more efficient

PURPOSE

A study previously performed at our institution demonstrated that surgeon-performed ultrasound (SPUS) was accurate compared to radiology department ultrasound (RDUS) when evaluating children with suspected appendicitis. The purpose of this study was to determine if these results were reproducible and if SPUS decreased time to definitive diagnosis.

METHODS

A surgery resident performed examinations and ultrasounds on children with suspected appendicitis. Final diagnosis was confirmed by pathology. Results were compared to RDUS and combined with the previous study for a final comparison with RDUS. Mean time to diagnosis was recorded. Data were analyzed using Fisher exact and Student's t test.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients underwent SPUS, of these 35 had RDUS. The accuracy of SPUS alone was 93% (54/58) and RDUS accuracy was 94% (33/35) (p = 1). When SPUS was combined with clinical examination accuracy increased to 95% (55/58). When results were combined with the previous study, overall accuracy of SPUS was 90% (101/112) compared to overall RDUS accuracy of 89 % (50/56). Mean time to diagnosis for RDUS was 135 min (n = 35), whereas mean time to diagnosis for SPUS was 30 min (n = 58; p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

SPUS is accurate and reproducible in evaluating children with suspected appendicitis. SPUS potentially decreases time to definitive therapy and emergency department wait times.

Pediatric appendicitis: pathophysiology and appropriate use of diagnostic imaging

Evaluating 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.

Properties of serial ultrasound clinical diagnostic pathway in suspected appendicitis and related computed tomography use

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a serial ultrasound (US) clinical diagnostic pathway to detect appendicitis in children presenting to the emergency department (ED). The secondary objective was to examine the diagnostic performance of the initial and interval US and to compare the accuracy of the pathway to that of the initial US.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of 294 previously healthy children 4 to 17 years old with suspected appendicitis and baseline pediatric appendicitis scores of ≥2, who were managed with the serial US clinical diagnostic pathway. This pathway consisted of an initial US followed by a clinical reassessment in each patient and an interval US and surgical consultation in patients with equivocal initial US and persistent concern about appendicitis. The USs were interpreted by published criteria as positive, negative, or equivocal for appendicitis. Children in whom this pathway did not rule in or rule out appendicitis underwent computed tomography (CT). Cases with missed appendicitis, negative operations, and CTs after the pathway were considered inaccurate. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of the serial US clinical diagnostic pathway. The secondary outcomes included the test performance of the initial and interval US imaging studies.

RESULTS

Of the 294 study children, 111 (38%) had appendicitis. Using the serial US clinical diagnostic pathway, 274 of 294 children (93%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 90% to 96%) had diagnostically accurate results: 108 of the 111 (97%) appendicitis cases were successfully identified by the pathway without CT scans (two missed and one CT), and 166 of the 183 (91%) negative cases were ruled out without CT scans (14 negative operations and three CTs). The sensitivity of this pathway was 108 of 111 (97%, 95% CI = 94% to 100%), specificity 166 of 183 (91%, 95% CI = 87% to 95%), positive predictive value 108 of 125 (86%; 95% CI = 79% to 92%), and negative predictive value 166 of 169 (98%, 95% CI = 96% to 100%). The diagnostic accuracy of the pathway was higher than that of the initial US alone (274 of 294 vs. 160 of 294; p < 0.0001). Of 123 patients with equivocal initial US, concern about appendicitis subsided on clinical reassessment in 73 (no surgery and no missed appendicitis). Of 50 children with persistent symptoms, 40 underwent interval US and 10 had surgical consultation alone. The interval US confirmed or ruled out appendicitis in 22 of 40 children (55.0%) with equivocal initial US, with one false-positive interval US.

CONCLUSIONS

The serial US clinical diagnostic pathway in suspected appendicitis has an acceptable diagnostic accuracy that is significantly higher than that of the initial US and results in few CT scans. This approach appears most useful in children with equivocal initial US, in whom the majority of negative cases were identified at clinical reassessment and appendicitis was diagnosed by interval US or surgical consultation in most study patients.

A model predicting perforation and complications in paediatric appendicectomy

PURPOSE

To analyse the diagnostic value of simple clinical measurements in ensuring an early and accurate detection of advanced appendicitis (perforation, mass and peri-appendicular abscess) and possible complications.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-centre study of all paediatric (age 0-14 years) appendicectomies was conducted over a 14-year period. Preoperative symptoms, signs and laboratory results, intra-operative findings and postoperative complications were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate sensitivity and specificity of significant (p ≤ 0.05) predictor variables based on multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

One thousand and thirty-seven patients were included. Perforations were seen in 88 (8.5%) cases, and abscesses were seen in 35 (3.4%) cases. Of all the clinical variables evaluated, preoperative temperature ≥37.5 °C was most discriminatory for advanced appendicitis. Significant other discriminatory clinical variables were WBC count ≥15,100/μL, preoperative anorexia and rebound tenderness. Postoperative complications occurred in 74 (7.1%) patients and were associated with pre-operative temperature ≥37.5 °C and advanced appendicitis.

CONCLUSION

Independent clinical predictors of advanced appendicitis exist but lack individual accuracy. In this study, preoperative pyrexia is shown to be highly associated with both advanced appendicitis and development of postoperative complications. This independent factor may point to early need for antibiotic treatment, urgent imaging and subsequent intervention in patients with appendicitis.

Appendicitis in children: evaluation of the pediatric appendicitis score in younger and older children

Background. This study aimed to evaluate Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), diagnostic delay, and factors responsible for possible late diagnosis in children <4 years compared with older children who were operated on for suspected appendicitis. Method. 122 children, between 1 and 14 years, operated on with appendectomy for suspected appendicitis, were retrospectively analyzed. The cohort was divided into two age groups: ≥4 years (n = 102) and <4 years (n = 20). Results. The mean PAS was lower among the younger compared with the older patients (5.3 and 6.6, resp.; P = 0.005), despite the fact that younger children had more severe appendicitis (75.0% and 33.3%, resp.; P = 0.001). PAS had low sensitivity in both groups, with a significantly lower sensitivity among the younger patients. Parent and doctor delay were confirmed in children <4 years of age with appendicitis. PAS did not aid in patients with doctor delay. Parameters in patient history, symptoms, and abdominal examination were more diffuse in younger children. Conclusion. PAS should be used with caution when examining children younger than 4 years of age. Diffuse symptoms in younger children with acute appendicitis lead to delay and to later diagnosis and more complicated appendicitis.

Stratified computed tomography findings improve diagnostic accuracy for appendicitis

AIM: To improve the diagnostic accuracy in patients with symptoms and signs of appendicitis, but without confirmative computed tomography (CT) findings.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the database of 224 patients who had been operated on for the suspicion of appendicitis, but whose CT findings were negative or equivocal for appendicitis. The patient population was divided into two groups: a pathologically proven appendicitis group (n = 177) and a non-appendicitis group (n = 47). The CT images of these patients were re-evaluated according to the characteristic CT features as described in the literature. The re-evaluations and baseline characteristics of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS: The two groups showed significant differences with respect to appendiceal diameter, and the presence of periappendiceal fat stranding and intraluminal air in the appendix. A larger proportion of patients in the appendicitis group showed distended appendices larger than 6.0 mm (66.3% vs 37.0%; P < 0.001), periappendiceal fat stranding (34.1% vs 8.9%; P = 0.001), and the absence of intraluminal air (67.6% vs 48.9%; P = 0.024) compared to the non-appendicitis group. Furthermore, the presence of two or more of these factors increased the odds ratio to 6.8 times higher than baseline (95%CI: 3.013-15.454; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Appendiceal diameter and wall thickening, fat stranding, and absence of intraluminal air can be used to increased diagnostic accuracy for appendicitis with equivocal CT findings.

Sonography of acute appendicitis and its mimics in children

The diagnosis of acute right lower quadrant pain in a pediatric population is challenging. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of an acute surgical abdomen. The common mimics of acute appendicitis are acute gastrointestinal and gynecologic diseases. This article reviews the sonographic findings of the spectrum of common acute abdominal emergencies in children with a focus on imaging clues to a specific diagnosis. This awareness can impact on diagnostic accuracy and impact patient management.

Do clinical outcomes suffer during transition to an ultrasound-first paradigm for the evaluation of acute appendicitis in children?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to examine whether the rate of complicated appendicitis and the hospital length of stay (LOS) increased during the transition to an ultrasound-first paradigm for the imaging evaluation of acute appendicitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All pediatric patients with surgically proven appendicitis from 2005 to 2011 were identified by searching the hospital billing database for the discharge diagnosis codes for simple appendicitis (ICD-9 [International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision] code 540.9) and complicated appendicitis (ICD-9 codes 540.0 and 540.1). Annual trends of the proportions of these patients who underwent ultrasound and CT were determined and plotted for the study period. Correlation of complicated appendicitis and median hospital LOS with calendar year was assessed using the Spearman (ρ) rank correlation test. RESULTS. Eight hundred four patients met the inclusion criteria. The percentage of patients who underwent CT only showed a moderate downward association with year (ρ = -0.32, p < 0.01), and the percentage of patients who underwent ultrasound first showed a moderate upward trend (ρ = 0.44, p < 0.01). The percentage of patients with ultrasound as the only study performed before appendectomy increased moderately over the 7-year study period (ρ = 0.33, p < 0.01). The percentage of patients with complicated appendicitis and the median hospital LOS did not increase significantly over the study duration (ρ = -0.01, p = 0.74 and ρ = -0.04, p = 0.25, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The transition to an ultrasound-first pathway for the imaging workup of acute appendicitis in children occurred without evidence of a corresponding increase in the proportion of patients with complicated appendicitis or in the median hospital LOS.

Pelvic Ultrasound Simulation Training Models and Case Scenarios

Pelvic ultrasound simulation training using high-fidelity mannequins can provide a safe and controlled learning environment to foster the ultrasound education of medical students, residents and faculty. The instruction can be tailored to the specific needs of the learners. Topics for instruction range from teaching basic anatomy and ultrasound scanning techniques to common and advanced obstetrics and gynecology disease presentations and pathological processes. Simulation can closely approximate patient encounters using case based scenarios which will aid in developing knowledge and skills that can be transferred to the clinical environment. The goal of simulation is to help the learners to become more confident and competent to care for their patients.

How to cite this article

Sarmiento J, Stewart K, Aguila J, Bagherpour A, Kupesic Plavsic S. Pelvic Ultrasound Simulation Training Models and Case Scenarios. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(1):22-30.

Management of Complicated Appendicitis in the Pediatric Population: When Surgery Doesn't Cut It

The management of complicated appendicitis in children has evolved significantly over the last century. What initially was a surgeon's dilemma is becoming the interventional radiologist's task because image-guided percutaneous drainage of abscesses from a ruptured appendix obviates the need for urgent surgery and allows for selective interval appendectomy at the surgeon's discretion (versus conservative nonoperative management in selected cases). This paradigm shift places the onus on the interventional radiologist to recognize when the procedure is emergently indicated and to be cognizant of the special needs of a pediatric patient.

Ultrasound assessment of acute appendicitis in paediatric patients: methodology and pictorial overview of findings seen

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in the paediatric population. Computed tomography (CT) has been shown to have high accuracy and low operator dependence in the diagnosis of appendicitis. However, with increased concerns regarding CT usage in children, ultrasound (US) is the imaging modality of choice in patients where appendicitis is suspected. This review describes and illustrates the step-wise graded-compression technique for the visualisation of the appendix, the normal and pathological appearances of the appendix, as well as the imaging characteristics of the common differentials.

• A step-wise technique improves the chances of visualisation of the appendix.

• There are often several causes for the non-visualisation of the appendix in children.

• A pathological appendix has characteristic US signs, with several secondary features also identified.

• There are multiple common differentials to consider in the paediatric patient.

Computed tomography with intravenous contrast alone: the role of intra-abdominal fat on the ability to visualize the normal appendix in children

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT) with enteric contrast is frequently used to evaluate children with suspected appendicitis. The use of CT with intravenous (IV) contrast alone (CT IV) may be sufficient, however, particularly in patients with adequate intra-abdominal fat (IAF).

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed 1) to determine the ability of radiologists to visualize the normal (nondiseased) appendix with CT IV in children and to assess whether IAF adequacy affects this ability and 2) to assess the association between IAF adequacy and patient characteristics.

METHODS

This was a retrospective 16-center study using a preexisting database of abdominal CT scans. Children 3 to 18 years who had CT IV scan and measured weights and for whom appendectomy history was known from medical record review were included. The sample was chosen based on age to yield a sample with and without adequate IAF. Radiologists at each center reread their site's CT IV scans to assess appendix visualization and IAF adequacy. IAF was categorized as "adequate" if there was any amount of fat completely surrounding the cecum and "inadequate" if otherwise.

RESULTS

A total of 280 patients were included, with mean age of 10.6 years (range = 3.1 to 17.9 years). All 280 had no history of prior appendectomy; therefore, each patient had a presumed normal appendix. A total of 102 patients (36.4%) had adequate IAF. The proportion of normal appendices visualized with CT IV was 72.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 67.2% to 78.0%); the proportions were 89% (95% CI = 81.5% to 94.5%) and 63% (95% CI = 56.0% to 70.6%) in those with and without adequate IAF (95% CI for difference of proportions = 16% to 36%). Greater weight and older age were strongly associated with IAF adequacy (p < 0.001), with weight appearing to be a stronger predictor, particularly in females. Although statistically associated, there was noted overlap in the weights and ages of those with and without adequate IAF.

CONCLUSIONS

Protocols using CT with IV contrast alone to visualize the appendix can reasonably include weight, age, or both as considerations for determining when this approach is appropriate. However, although IAF will more frequently be adequate in older, heavier patients, highly accurate prediction of IAF adequacy appears challenging solely based on age and weight.

Ultrasonography (US) in the assessment of pediatric non traumatic gastrointestinal emergencies

Background

Non traumatic gastrointestinal emergencies in the children and neonatal patient is a dilemma for the radiologist in the emergencies room and they presenting characteristics ultrasound features on the longitudinal and axial axis. The most frequent emergencies are : appendicitis, intussusceptions, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, volvulus due to intestinal malrotation. The aim of this article is to familiarize the reader with the US features.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 200 ultrasound examinations performed in neonatal and children patients with fever, abdominal pain, leukocytosis, vomiting and diarrhea were evaluated.

Results

Of 200 exame 50 cases of intussusceptions, 100 cases of appendicitis, 20 cases associated with abscess;10 gangrenous appendicitis with absence a color Doppler , and 10 cases of perforated appendicitis at tomography computer integration and 10 cases of volvulus was found.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography (US) is therefore rapidly becoming an important imaging modality for the evaluation of acute abdominal pain, particularly in pediatric patients, where satisfactory examination is often not achievable for the attending clinicians. US provides excellent anatomic detail on the longitudinally and axial axis .

Does this child have appendicitis? A systematic review of clinical prediction rules for children with acute abdominal pain

OBJECTIVES

To systematically identify clinical prediction rules (CPRs) for children with suspected appendicitis and compare their methodological quality and performance.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Included studies involved children aged 0-18 years with suspected appendicitis identified through MEDLINE and EMBASE from 1950 to 2012. The quality was assessed using 17 previously published items. The performance was evaluated using the sensitivity, negative likelihood ratio, and predicted frequency of appendicitis diagnosis that would result if the rule was used.

RESULTS

Twelve studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria describing the derivation or validation of six unique CPRs involving 4,201 children with suspected appendicitis. Migratory pain, nausea or vomiting, and right lower quadrant tenderness were common predictors to all rules. Methodological quality varied widely. The most poorly addressed quality items were the predictor and outcome assessor blinding, predictor description, and reproducibility of predictor assessment. The most well-validated CPRs were the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS) and MANTRELS (Migration, Anorexia, Nausea/vomiting, Tenderness in the right lower quadrant, Rebound pain, Elevation in temperature, Leukocytosis, Shift to the left)/Alvarado Score. Overall, the PAS validation studies outperformed the Alvarado validation studies.

CONCLUSION

The PAS and Alvarado scores were the most well validated but neither met the current performance benchmarks. A high quality, well validated, and consistently high-performing CPR was not identified. Further research is needed before a CPR for children with suspected appendicitis can be used in routine practice.

Role of mean platelet volume in diagnosis of childhood acute appendicitis

Introduction. Acute appendicitis is the leading cause of abdominal pain in children requiring emergency surgical intervention. The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic value of MPV in early diagnosis of acute appendicitis cases in pediatric age group. Methods. This study was performed retrospectively. Three hundred five patients operated on with the diagnosis of appendicitis and pathologically found to be acute appendicitis were classified as Group 1 and 305 healthy children were classified as control Group 2. Results. One hundred ninety-seven of 305 cases in Group 1 are males (64.6%), in Group 2, 151 of 305 cases are males (49.5%). The mean MPV in Group 1 was 7.9 ± 0.9 (fL), and whereas in Group 2 was 7.7 ± 0.8 (fL). There was no statistically significant difference regarding MPV values (P > 0.05). Conclusion. In our study we detected that mean platelet volume has no diagnostic value in pediatric acute appendicitis cases.

Ultrafast 3-T MRI in the evaluation of children with acute lower abdominal pain for the detection of appendicitis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of ultrafast 3-T MRI in the evaluation of children with acute lower abdominal pain for the detection of appendicitis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Forty-two pediatric patients (30 girls and 12 boys; mean age, 11.5 years; age range, 4-17 years) with acute abdominal pain were prospectively studied. Ultrafast 3-T MRI was performed with a three-plane single-shot turbo spin-echo sequence and an axial T2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence with fat suppression. All scans were performed without sedation or oral or IV contrast agent. Scan times were less than 8 minutes 45 seconds (median, 5 minutes 40 seconds). Patients underwent CT or ultrasound or both as a comparison study to the MRI examination. The MRI, CT, and ultrasound examinations were interpreted independently by four board-certified radiologists who were blinded to patient information, study interpretations, surgical pathologic findings, and final diagnosis.

RESULTS

Twelve of 42 cases of acute appendicitis were detected with 100% sensitivity, 99% specificity, 100% negative predictive value, and 98% positive predictive value, all of which were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The pooled and individual receiver operating characteristic curves for radiologists' interpretation of the diagnosis of acute appendicitis were greater than 0.95 in all cases (p < 0.01)

CONCLUSION

Ultrafast 3-T MRI is a feasible alternative imaging modality for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children, particularly in cases where ultrasound is equivocal or nondiagnostic, as an alternative to CT. Ultrafast MRI requires no sedation and no oral or IV contrast agent and has no associated radiation exposure risks.

Visualization of the normal appendix with MR enterography in children

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may provide a radiation-sparing alternative to CT in diagnosing appendicitis in children in whom US is equivocal. However, comparability with CT in the detection of the appendix remains to be established.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the detection rate of the normal appendix in children on oral and IV contrast-enhanced MRI.

METHODS

MR imaging of 58 patients who had previously undergone MR enterography was retrospectively reviewed. Detection rate, body mass index, age and gender were recorded.

RESULTS

The normal appendix was detected in 28 cases (48%), with greatest detection rate on the axial fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) sequence. Children in whom the appendix was detected had significantly higher BMI compared to children in whom the appendix was not seen. Neither age nor gender demonstrated a significant association with detection rate.

CONCLUSION

The detection rate of the normal appendix in children on oral and IV contrast-enhanced MRI was 48%, which is comparable to detection rates on CT, as well as to previously reported detection rates on MR imaging with neither oral nor IV contrast agents. These findings may serve to guide the development of MRI protocols for pediatric appendicitis.

Emergent pediatric US: what every radiologist should know

Appendicitis, intussusception, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) are three of the most common reasons for emergent abdominal imaging in pediatric patients. Although the use of computed tomography has risen dramatically over the past 2 decades, children are particularly at risk for the adverse effects of ionizing radiation, and even low-dose radiation is associated with a small but significant increase in lifetime risk of fatal cancer. In most emergency departments, the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a primary modality for the evaluation of a child with abdominal pain remains impractical due to its high cost, its limited availability, and the frequent need for sedation. Ultrasonography (US) does not involve ionizing radiation and, unlike MR imaging, is relatively inexpensive, is widely available, and does not require sedation. Another major advantage of US in abdominal imaging is that it allows dynamic assessment of bowel peristalsis and compressibility. Delayed diagnosis of any of the aforementioned disease processes can lead to serious morbidity and, in some cases, death. The ability to diagnose or exclude disease with US should be part of a core radiology skill set for any practice that includes a pediatric population.

[Usefulness of ultrasonography in children with right iliac fossa pain]

Acute pain in the right iliac fossa is common in children. It can arise from a wide variety of gastrointestinal and genitourinary processes that make up the differential diagnosis with acute appendicitis. In this article, we describe the most representative findings of these processes on ultrasonography. We emphasize the characteristics that enable these processes to be differentiated from acute appendicitis.

Beware of neonatal appendicitis

We report a neonate with acute appendicitis who was mistakenly diagnosed and treated initially as neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. The diagnostic dilemma of this rare and life-threatening condition in premature babies and newborns is underlined. Awareness of this rare condition and possible differential diagnosis in this age group is also discussed.