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The Use of Enteric Contrast in the Emergency Setting. Radiol Clin North Am 2023; 61:37-51. [PMID: 36336390 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Imaging of Right Lower Quadrant Pain in Children and Adolescents: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2022; 220:767-779. [PMID: 36416395 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.22.28358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain is a common clinical presentation in children, and accurate clinical diagnosis remains challenging given that this nonspecific presentation is associated with numerous surgical and nonsurgical conditions. The broad differential diagnosis varies by patient age and sex. Important considerations in the selection of a diagnostic imaging strategy include the sequencing, performance, and cost of tests. This article provides a comprehensive narrative review of the diagnostic imaging of RLQ pain in children and adolescents, including a discussion of the complementary roles of ultrasound, CT, and MRI; description of key imaging findings based on available evidence; and presentation of salient differential diagnoses. Subspecialized pediatric emergency medicine and surgical perspectives are also provided as further clinical insight into this common, but often challenging, scenario. Finally, the current status of imaging of RLQ pain in children and adolescents is summarized on the basis of expert consensus.
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Koberlein GC, Trout AT, Rigsby CK, Iyer RS, Alazraki AL, Anupindi SA, Bardo DME, Brown BP, Chan SS, Chandra T, Dillman JR, Dorfman SR, Falcone RA, Garber MD, Joseph MM, Nguyen JC, Safdar NM, Karmazyn B. ACR Appropriateness Criteria ® Suspected Appendicitis-Child. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 16:S252-S263. [PMID: 31054752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2019.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute appendicitis represents the most common abdominal surgical urgency/emergency in children. Imaging remains a central tool in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and has been shown to facilitate management and decrease the rate of negative appendectomies. The initial consideration for imaging in a child with suspected acute appendicitis is based on clinical assessment, which can be facilitated with published scoring systems. The level of clinical risk (low, intermediate, high) and the clinical scenario (suspicion for complication) define the need for imaging and the optimal imaging modality. In some situations, no imaging is required, while in others ultrasound, CT, or MRI may be appropriate. This review frames the presentation of suspected acute appendicitis in terms of the clinical risk and also discusses the unique situations of the equivocal or nondiagnostic initial ultrasound examination and suspected appendicitis with suspicion for complication (eg, bowel obstruction). The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George C Koberlein
- Research Author, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - Andrew T Trout
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Cynthia K Rigsby
- Panel Chair, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ramesh S Iyer
- Panel Vice Chair, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | | | - Brandon P Brown
- Riley Hospital for Children Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard A Falcone
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; American Pediatric Surgical Association
| | - Matthew D Garber
- Wolfson Children's Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida; American Academy of Pediatrics
| | - Madeline M Joseph
- University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida; American College of Emergency Physicians
| | - Jie C Nguyen
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Boaz Karmazyn
- Specialty Chair, Riley Hospital for Children Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Rud B, Vejborg TS, Rappeport ED, Reitsma JB, Wille‐Jørgensen P. Computed tomography for diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 2019:CD009977. [PMID: 31743429 PMCID: PMC6953397 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009977.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosing acute appendicitis (appendicitis) based on clinical evaluation, blood testing, and urinalysis can be difficult. Therefore, in persons with suspected appendicitis, abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) is often used as an add-on test following the initial evaluation to reduce remaining diagnostic uncertainty. The aim of using CT is to assist the clinician in discriminating between persons who need surgery with appendicectomy and persons who do not. OBJECTIVES Primary objective Our primary objective was to evaluate the accuracy of CT for diagnosing appendicitis in adults with suspected appendicitis. Secondary objectives Our secondary objectives were to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced versus non-contrast-enhanced CT, to compare the accuracy of low-dose versus standard-dose CT, and to explore the influence of CT-scanner generation, radiologist experience, degree of clinical suspicion of appendicitis, and aspects of methodological quality on diagnostic accuracy. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Science Citation Index until 16 June 2017. We also searched references lists. We did not exclude studies on the basis of language or publication status. SELECTION CRITERIA We included prospective studies that compared results of CT versus outcomes of a reference standard in adults (> 14 years of age) with suspected appendicitis. We excluded studies recruiting only pregnant women; studies in persons with abdominal pain at any location and with no particular suspicion of appendicitis; studies in which all participants had undergone ultrasonography (US) before CT and the decision to perform CT depended on the US outcome; studies using a case-control design; studies with fewer than 10 participants; and studies that did not report the numbers of true-positives, false-positives, false-negatives, and true-negatives. Two review authors independently screened and selected studies for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently collected the data from each study and evaluated methodological quality according to the Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy - Revised (QUADAS-2) tool. We used the bivariate random-effects model to obtain summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity. MAIN RESULTS We identified 64 studies including 71 separate study populations with a total of 10,280 participants (4583 with and 5697 without acute appendicitis). Estimates of sensitivity ranged from 0.72 to 1.0 and estimates of specificity ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 across the 71 study populations. Summary sensitivity was 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93 to 0.96), and summary specificity was 0.94 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.95). At the median prevalence of appendicitis (0.43), the probability of having appendicitis following a positive CT result was 0.92 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.94), and the probability of having appendicitis following a negative CT result was 0.04 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.05). In subgroup analyses according to contrast enhancement, summary sensitivity was higher for CT with intravenous contrast (0.96, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98), CT with rectal contrast (0.97, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99), and CT with intravenous and oral contrast enhancement (0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.98) than for unenhanced CT (0.91, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.93). Summary sensitivity of CT with oral contrast enhancement (0.89, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.94) and unenhanced CT was similar. Results show practically no differences in summary specificity, which varied from 0.93 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.95) to 0.95 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.98) between subgroups. Summary sensitivity for low-dose CT (0.94, 95% 0.90 to 0.97) was similar to summary sensitivity for standard-dose or unspecified-dose CT (0.95, 95% 0.93 to 0.96); summary specificity did not differ between low-dose and standard-dose or unspecified-dose CT. No studies had high methodological quality as evaluated by the QUADAS-2 tool. Major methodological problems were poor reference standards and partial verification primarily due to inadequate and incomplete follow-up in persons who did not have surgery. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity and specificity of CT for diagnosing appendicitis in adults are high. Unenhanced standard-dose CT appears to have lower sensitivity than standard-dose CT with intravenous, rectal, or oral and intravenous contrast enhancement. Use of different types of contrast enhancement or no enhancement does not appear to affect specificity. Differences in sensitivity and specificity between low-dose and standard-dose CT appear to be negligible. The results of this review should be interpreted with caution for two reasons. First, these results are based on studies of low methodological quality. Second, the comparisons between types of contrast enhancement and radiation dose may be unreliable because they are based on indirect comparisons that may be confounded by other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Rud
- Copenhagen University Hospital HvidovreGastrounit, Surgical DivisionKettegaards Alle 30HvidovreDenmark2650
| | - Thomas S Vejborg
- Bispebjerg Hospital, University of CopenhagenDepartment of Radiology R23 Bispebjerg BakkeCopenhagenDenmarkDK 2400 NV
| | - Eli D Rappeport
- Bispebjerg Hospital, University of CopenhagenDepartment of Radiology R23 Bispebjerg BakkeCopenhagenDenmarkDK 2400 NV
| | - Johannes B Reitsma
- University Medical Center UtrechtJulius Center for Health Sciences and Primary CarePO Box 85500UtrechtNetherlands3508 GA Utrecht
| | - Peer Wille‐Jørgensen
- Bispebjerg HospitalDepartment of Surgical Gastroenterology KBispebjerg Bakke 23Copenhagen NVDenmarkDK‐2400
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Kim DW, Yoon HM, Lee JY, Kim JH, Jung AY, Lee JS, Cho YA. Diagnostic performance of CT for pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis in various clinical settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Emerg Radiol 2018; 25:627-637. [PMID: 30003463 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-018-1624-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic performance of CT for pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis in various clinical settings and the proportion of acute appendicitis on final diagnosis among equivocal CT findings. METHODS MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched until October 21, 2017, for studies investigating diagnostic performance of CT for acute appendicitis in pediatric patients confirmed by histopathologic findings and/or clinical follow-up. Pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a hierarchical logistic regression modeling. The proportion of true appendicitis among patients with inconclusive CT results was obtained using fixed and random effects meta-analyses. RESULTS Twenty-two articles with 3396 patients were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 95% (95% CI, 93-97%) and 94% (95% CI, 90-96%), respectively, and the area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99). Subgroup analyses revealed a comparable diagnostic performance in the low-dose CT group (sensitivity, 97%; specificity, 96%) and the unenhanced group (sensitivity, 95%; specificity, 95%). Other subgroups (publication year, study design, enrolled population, true appendicitis proportion, CT channel number, and slice thickness) also showed good diagnostic performance. Six studies reporting the true appendicitis proportion among patients with equivocal CT findings had pooled proportion of 17% (95% CI, 9-29%). CONCLUSIONS CT showed good performance for suspected appendicitis in pediatric patients under various clinical settings, including in cases with dose reduction or absence of IV contrast. The prevalence of true appendicitis among patients with equivocal appendicitis results on CTs was not low; therefore, clinical attention should not be disregarded in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wook Kim
- Department of Radiology, Taean-gun Health Center and County Hospital, 1952-16, Seohae-ro, Pyeongcheon-ri, Taean-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, 32148, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Mang Yoon
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Yong Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Heon Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Young Jung
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seong Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ah Cho
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
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Acute appendicitis in childhood: oral contrast does not improve CT diagnosis. Emerg Radiol 2018; 25:257-263. [PMID: 29306977 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-017-1574-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We compared the diagnostic accuracy of CT performed without and with oral contrast for suspected appendicitis in children. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed abdomen/pelvis CT scans with IV contrast performed between 2011 and 2015 for suspected appendicitis. Oral contrast was used routinely before August 2013 and eliminated from the CT protocol thereafter. Diagnostic accuracy of CT was compared with operative/pathology reports, and included a 30-day follow-up period for non-surgical patients. For a secondary analysis, the oral contrast group was subdivided into "complete" (contrast extending into the cecum) or "partial" contrast. We also compared groups for CT turnaround time, the frequency of appendiceal perforation and abscess, and the potential influence of a prior appendix ultrasound. RESULTS Five hundred fifty-eight patients were included: 51.6% (n = 288) without oral contrast and 48.4% (n = 270) with oral contrast (of which 52% (n = 140/270) had "complete" contrast). There was no difference in diagnostic accuracy between the oral contrast and non-contrast groups (p = 0.903), with sensitivity/specificity of 93.8% (95% CI 84.8-98.3)/98.5% (CI 95.8-99.7) and 94.6% (CI 84.9-98.9)/98.3% (CI 95.7-99.5), respectively. Similarly, there was no difference in accuracy when comparing only "complete" contrast vs. non-contrast groups (p = 0.755). CT turnaround time for the non-contrast group was significantly faster (43.8 ± 37.6 min), on average, than the oral contrast group (137.4 ± 47.5 min). CONCLUSION For children evaluated by CT with IV contrast for suspected appendicitis, administering oral contrast increased wait time by > 90 min, did not reach the cecum in 48% of cases, and did not improve diagnostic accuracy. Oral contrast for pediatric CT appendicitis evaluation is not warranted.
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Mattson B, Dulaimy K. The 4 Quadrants: Acute Pathology in the Abdomen and Current Imaging Guidelines. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2017; 38:414-423. [DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Abstract
The most common cause of acute right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain requiring surgery is acute appendicitis (AA). This narrative's focus is on imaging procedures in the diagnosis of AA, with consideration of other diseases causing RLQ pain. In general, Computed Tomography (CT) is the most accurate imaging study for evaluating suspected AA and alternative etiologies of RLQ pain. Data favor intravenous contrast use for CT, but the need for enteric contrast when intravenous contrast is used is not strongly favored. Radiation exposure concerns from CT have led to increased investigation in minimizing CT radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic accuracy and in using algorithms with ultrasound as a first imaging examination followed by CT in inconclusive cases. In children, ultrasound is the preferred initial examination, as it is nearly as accurate as CT for the diagnosis of AA in this population and without ionizing radiation exposure. In pregnant women, ultrasound is preferred initially with MRI as a second imaging examination in inconclusive cases, which is the majority.The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every three years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.
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CT diagnosis of appendicitis in children: comparison of orthogonal planes and assessment of contrast opacification of the appendix. Pediatr Emerg Care 2015; 31:161-3. [PMID: 25706922 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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 determine which plane is best for identification of the appendix and to assess if opacification of the appendix impacts visualization. METHODS Retrospective review of 218 computed tomography examinations performed for suspected appendicitis was conducted by 2 pediatric radiologists evaluating conspicuity of the appendix depending on orthogonal plane and enteric contrast. RESULTS Of the 180 cases in which the appendix was visualized, 154 were performed with multiplanar reformations. The best plane for identification of the appendix was coronal in 96, axial in 41, and sagittal in 17. Of the 218 computed tomography examinations, 169 had enteric contrast. The appendix was identified in 180 cases and completely opacified in 62, partially opacified in 26, without opacification in 59, and air filled in 33. Of the 38 cases in which the appendix was not identified, 29 had enteric contrast administration.In 131 of the 218 cases, the appendix was normal, and 58% demonstrated partial or complete opacification of the appendix. In 35 of the 218 cases, appendicitis was found, and there was predominantly no opacification or at most partial opacification of the appendix. CONCLUSIONS The coronal plane is best to identify the appendix. No enteric contrast is required to visualize appendicitis.
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Huckins DS, Simon HK, Copeland K, Spiro DM, Gogain J, Wandell M. A novel biomarker panel to rule out acute appendicitis in pediatric patients with abdominal pain. Am J Emerg Med 2013; 31:1368-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2013.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Garcia M, Taylor G, Babcock L, Dillman JR, Iqbal V, Quijano CV, Wootton-Gorges SL, Adelgais K, Anupindi SA, Sonavane S, Joshi A, Veeramani M, Atabaki SM, Monroe DJ, Blumberg SJ, Ruzal-Shapiro C, Cook LJ, Dayan PS. Computed tomography with intravenous contrast alone: the role of intra-abdominal fat on the ability to visualize the normal appendix in children. Acad Emerg Med 2013; 20:795-800. [PMID: 24033622 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn Garcia
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Rochester; Galisano Children's Hospital; Rochester; NY
| | - George Taylor
- Department of Radiology; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston; MA
| | - Lynn Babcock
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Cincinnati Children's Hospital; Cincinnati; OH
| | - Jonathan R. Dillman
- Department of Radiology; University of Michigan Health System; CS Mott Children's Hospital; Ann Arbor; MI
| | - Vaseem Iqbal
- Division of Radiology; Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo; Buffalo; NY
| | - Carla V. Quijano
- Pediatric Imaging; Medical College of Wisconsin; Children's Hospital of Wisconsin; Milwaukee; WI
| | - Sandra L. Wootton-Gorges
- Department of Radiology; University of California (UC); Davis Medical Center and UC Davis Children's Hospital; Davis; CA
| | - Kathleen Adelgais
- Division of Emergency Medicine; University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children's Medical Center; Salt Lake City; UT
| | - Sudha A. Anupindi
- Department of Radiology; University of Pennsylvania Perleman School of Medicine; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia; PA
| | - Sushil Sonavane
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology; Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis Children's Hospital; St. Louis; MO
| | - Aparna Joshi
- Department of Radiology; Wayne State University School of Medicine; Children's Hospital of Michigan; Detroit; MI
| | | | - Shireen M. Atabaki
- Division of Emergency Medicine; The George Washington University School of Medicine; Children's National Medical Center; Washington; DC
| | - David J. Monroe
- Department of Pediatrics; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Howard County General Hospital; Columbia; MD
| | - Stephen J. Blumberg
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine; Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Jacobi Medical Center; Bronx; NY
| | - Carrie Ruzal-Shapiro
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital; New York; NY
| | - Lawrence J. Cook
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children's Medical Center; Salt Lake City; UT
| | - Peter S. Dayan
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital; New York; NY
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Nosek AE, Hartin CW, Bass KD, Glick PL, Caty MG, Dayton MT, Ozgediz DE. Are facilities following best practices of pediatric abdominal CT scans? J Surg Res 2013; 181:11-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2012.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Rosen MP, Ding A, Blake MA, Baker ME, Cash BD, Fidler JL, Grant TH, Greene FL, Jones B, Katz DS, Lalani T, Miller FH, Small WC, Spottswood S, Sudakoff GS, Tulchinsky M, Warshauer DM, Yee J, Coley BD. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® right lower quadrant pain--suspected appendicitis. J Am Coll Radiol 2012; 8:749-55. [PMID: 22051456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2011.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The diagnostic imaging of patients presenting with right lower quadrant pain and suspected appendicitis may be organized according to age and gender and to the presence or absence of "classic" signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis. Among adult patients presenting with clinical signs of acute appendicitis, the sensitivity and specificity of CT are greater than those of ultrasound, with improved performance when CT is performed with intravenous contrast. The use of rectal contrast has been associated with decreased time in the emergency department. Computed tomography has also been shown to reduce cost and negative appendectomy rates. Both CT and ultrasound are also effective in the identification of causes of right lower quadrant pain unrelated to appendicitis. Among pediatric patients, the sensitivity and specificity of graded-compression ultrasound can approach those of CT, without the use of ionizing radiation. Performing MRI after inconclusive ultrasound in pregnant patients has been associated with sensitivity and specificity of 80% to 86% and 97% to 99%, respectively. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria(®) are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max P Rosen
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Naeger DM, Chang SD, Kolli P, Shah V, Huang W, Thoeni RF. Neutral vs positive oral contrast in diagnosing acute appendicitis with contrast-enhanced CT: sensitivity, specificity, reader confidence and interpretation time. Br J Radiol 2010; 84:418-26. [PMID: 20959365 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/20854868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study compared the sensitivity, specificity, confidence and interpretation time of readers of differing experience in diagnosing acute appendicitis with contrast-enhanced CT using neutral vs positive oral contrast agents. METHODS Contrast-enhanced CT for right lower quadrant or right flank pain was performed in 200 patients with neutral and 200 with positive oral contrast including 199 with proven acute appendicitis and 201 with other diagnoses. Test set disease prevalence was 50%. Two experienced gastrointestinal radiologists, one fellow and two first-year residents blindly assessed all studies for appendicitis (2000 readings) and assigned confidence scores (1=poor to 4=excellent). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. Total interpretation time was recorded. Each reader's interpretation with the two agents was compared using standard statistical methods. RESULTS Average reader sensitivity was found to be 96% (range 91-99%) with positive and 95% (89-98%) with neutral oral contrast; specificity was 96% (92-98%) and 94% (90-97%). For each reader, no statistically significant difference was found between the two agents (sensitivities p-values >0.6; specificities p-values>0.08), in the area under the ROC curve (range 0.95-0.99) or in average interpretation times. In cases without appendicitis, positive oral contrast demonstrated improved appendix identification (average 90% vs 78%) and higher confidence scores for three readers. Average interpretation times showed no statistically significant differences between the agents. CONCLUSION Neutral vs positive oral contrast does not affect the accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT for diagnosing acute appendicitis. Although positive oral contrast might help to identify normal appendices, we continue to use neutral oral contrast given its other potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Naeger
- University of California San Francisco, Medical School, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, PO Box 1325, San Francisco, CA 94143-1325, USA
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Anderson SW, Rhea JT, Milch HN, Ozonoff A, Lucey BC, Soto JA. Influence of body habitus and use of oral contrast on reader confidence in patients with suspected acute appendicitis using 64 MDCT. Emerg Radiol 2010; 17:445-53. [PMID: 20496094 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-010-0875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 04/23/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate how body habitus affects reader confidence in diagnosing acute appendicitis and appendiceal visualization using 64 MDCT technology with and without oral contrast. We conducted a HIPAA compliant, IRB approved study of adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department with nontraumatic abdominal pain. Subjects were randomized to two groups: 64 MDCT scans performed with oral and intravenous contrast or scans performed solely with intravenous contrast. Three radiologists established their confidence about the presence of appendicitis as well as recording whether the appendix was visualized. Reader confidence in diagnosing acute appendicitis was compared between the two groups for the three readers. The impact of patient BMI and estimated intra-abdominal fat on reader confidence in diagnosing appendicitis was determined. Finally, a comparison of the effect of BMI and intra-abdominal fat on appendiceal visualization between the two groups was carried out. Three hundred three patients were enrolled in this study. There was a statistically significant difference in confidence based on BMI for reader 2, group 1 in diagnosing appendicitis. No further statistically significant differences in reader confidence for diagnosing appendicitis based on BMI or intra-abdominal fat were identified. There was no influence of BMI or intra-abdominal fat on appendiceal visualization. Increasing BMI was seen to improve reader confidence for one of three readers in patients that received both oral and intravenous contrast. No further effects of BMI or intra-abdominal fat on confidence in diagnosing or excluding appendicitis were seen. Neither BMI nor intra-abdominal fat were seen to influence appendiceal visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan W Anderson
- Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, FGH Building, 3rd Floor, 820 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02218, USA.
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Howell JM, Eddy OL, Lukens TW, Thiessen MEW, Weingart SD, Decker WW. Clinical policy: Critical issues in the evaluation and management of emergency department patients with suspected appendicitis. Ann Emerg Med 2010; 55:71-116. [PMID: 20116016 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2009.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This clinical policy from the American College of Emergency Physicians is an update of a 2000 clinical policy on the evaluation and management of patients presenting with nontraumatic acute abdominal pain.1 A writing subcommittee reviewed the literature to derive evidence-based recommendations to help clinicians answer the following critical questions: (1)Can clinical findings be used to guide decision making in the risk stratification of patients with possible appendicitis? (2) In adult patients with suspected acute appendicitis who are undergoing a computed tomography scan, what is the role of contrast? (3) In children with suspected acute appendicitis who undergo diagnostic imaging, what are the roles of computed tomography and ultrasound in diagnosing acute appendicitis?Evidence was graded and recommendations were given based on the strength of the available data in the medical literature.
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Kentsis A, Lin YY, Kurek K, Calicchio M, Wang YY, Monigatti F, Campagne F, Lee R, Horwitz B, Steen H, Bachur R. Discovery and validation of urine markers of acute pediatric appendicitis using high-accuracy mass spectrometry. Ann Emerg Med 2010; 55:62-70.e4. [PMID: 19556024 PMCID: PMC4422167 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2009.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2009] [Revised: 03/29/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Molecular definition of disease has been changing all aspects of medical practice, from diagnosis and screening to understanding and treatment. Acute appendicitis is among many human conditions that are complicated by the heterogeneity of clinical presentation and shortage of diagnostic markers. Here, we sought to profile the urine of patients with appendicitis, with the goal of identifying new diagnostic markers. METHODS Candidate markers were identified from the urine of children with histologically proven appendicitis by using high-accuracy mass spectrometry proteome profiling. These systemic and local markers were used to assess the probability of appendicitis in a blinded, prospective study of children being evaluated for acute abdominal pain in our emergency department. Tests of performance of the markers were evaluated against the pathologic diagnosis and histologic grade of appendicitis. RESULTS Test performance of 57 identified candidate markers was studied in 67 patients, with median age of 11 years, 37% of whom had appendicitis. Several exhibited favorable diagnostic performance, including calgranulin A (S100-A8), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (orosomucoid), and leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG), with the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve and values of 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72 to 0.95), 0.84 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.95), and 0.97 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.0), respectively. LRG was enriched in diseased appendices, and its abundance correlated with severity of appendicitis. CONCLUSION High-accuracy mass spectrometry urine proteome profiling allowed identification of diagnostic markers of acute appendicitis. Usage of LRG and other identified biomarkers may improve the diagnostic accuracy of clinical evaluations of appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Kentsis
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Gosain A, Williams RF, Blakely ML. Distinguishing acute from ruptured appendicitis preoperatively in the pediatric patient. Adv Surg 2010; 44:73-85. [PMID: 20919515 DOI: 10.1016/j.yasu.2010.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Gosain
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 777 Washington Avenue, Suite P220, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Over time, we observed more visits in our pediatric emergency department with length-of-stay (LOS) of more than 10 hours, whereas our mean LOS was approximately 3 hours. We sought to characterize factors associated with this extremely long LOS. METHODS Eighty-one visits with LOS more than 10 hours were identified from January 1, 2001, to June 30, 2003. In this retrospective study, we compared these cases with 405 randomly selected age-matched controls with LOS less than 10 hours (5 controls per case). RESULTS The groups were similar for sex, visit month, arrival mode, and level of training of the supervising physician. Cases more frequently arrived during night shifts (30% vs 13%) and had laboratory tests (93% vs 32%), radiological studies (83% vs 34%), procedures (28% vs 15%), sedations (24% vs 4%), subspecialty consultations (84% vs 20%), chief complaints of abdominal pain (42% vs 6%) and diagnoses of appendicitis (10% vs 1%), and had a greater hospitalization rate (67 vs 19%). Although more cases involved white patients (57% vs 31%), race was not associated with LOS more than 10 hours in adjusted analysis. In multivariable analysis, longer waiting time (odds ratio [OR], 1.013; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007-1.019), night shift arrival (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.9-12.8), higher triage acuity (lowest acuity: OR, 0.003; 95% CI, 0.0-0.286), radiology study other than radiographs (OR, 18.0; 95% CI, 7.5-43.1), and subspecialty consultation (OR, 7.6; 95% CI, 3.2-18.3) were associated with LOS more than 10 hours. CONCLUSIONS In our pediatric emergency department, risk factors for LOS more than 10 hours included longer waiting time, night shift arrivals, high triage acuity, radiology studies, and subspecialty consultations. These factors may also be important considerations for quality improvement initiatives at other institutions.
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Frush DP, Frush KS, Oldham KT. Imaging of acute appendicitis in children: EU versus U.S. ... or US versus CT? A North American perspective. Pediatr Radiol 2009; 39:500-5. [PMID: 19221730 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-008-1131-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The timing, type, and technique of imaging evaluation of suspected appendicitis in children are all debated. This debate is both local and international. The fact is that choices in imaging evaluation will depend on both local and national influences, which are reasonable and to be expected. There still is a responsibility, though, for those involved with evaluation of patients with possible appendicitis to come to agreement about an appropriate diagnostic pathway that considers standards of care and available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald P Frush
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, McGovern-Davison Children's Health Center, DUMC, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Garcia K, Hernanz-Schulman M, Bennett DL, Morrow SE, Yu C, Kan JH. Suspected Appendicitis in Children: Diagnostic Importance of Normal Abdominopelvic CT Findings with Nonvisualized Appendix. Radiology 2009; 250:531-7. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2502080624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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