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Marin JR, Lyons TW, Claudius I, Fallat ME, Aquino M, Ruttan T, Daugherty RJ. Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Technical Report. Pediatrics 2024; 154:e2024066855. [PMID: 38932719 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-066855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are key components in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Advances in imaging technology have led to the availability of faster and more accurate tools to improve patient care. Notwithstanding these advances, it is important for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to understand the risks and limitations associated with advanced imaging in children and to limit imaging studies that are considered low value, when possible. This technical report provides a summary of imaging strategies for specific conditions where advanced imaging is commonly considered in the emergency department. As an accompaniment to the policy statement, this document provides resources and strategies to optimize advanced imaging, including clinical decision support mechanisms, teleradiology, shared decision-making, and rationale for deferred imaging for patients who will be transferred for definitive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Marin
- Departments of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, & Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Todd W Lyons
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ilene Claudius
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Mary E Fallat
- The Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael Aquino
- Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute, and Section of Pediatric Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Timothy Ruttan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin; US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, Ohio
| | - Reza J Daugherty
- Departments of Radiology and Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, UVA Health/UVA Children's, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Marin JR, Lyons TW, Claudius I, Fallat ME, Aquino M, Ruttan T, Daugherty RJ. Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Technical Report. J Am Coll Radiol 2024; 21:e37-e69. [PMID: 38944445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2024.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are key components in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Advances in imaging technology have led to the availability of faster and more accurate tools to improve patient care. Notwithstanding these advances, it is important for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to understand the risks and limitations associated with advanced imaging in children and to limit imaging studies that are considered low value, when possible. This technical report provides a summary of imaging strategies for specific conditions where advanced imaging is commonly considered in the emergency department. As an accompaniment to the policy statement, this document provides resources and strategies to optimize advanced imaging, including clinical decision support mechanisms, teleradiology, shared decision-making, and rationale for deferred imaging for patients who will be transferred for definitive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Marin
- Departments of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, & Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Todd W Lyons
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ilene Claudius
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Mary E Fallat
- The Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael Aquino
- Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute, and Section of Pediatric Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Timothy Ruttan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin; US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, Ohio
| | - Reza J Daugherty
- Departments of Radiology and Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, UVA Health/UVA Children's, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Morin CE, Karakas P, Vorona G, Sreedher G, Brian JM, Chavhan GB, Chung T, Griffin LM, Kaplan SL, Moore M, Schenker K, Subramanian S, Aquino M. The Society for Pediatric Radiology Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committees' consensus protocol recommendation for rapid MRI for evaluating suspected appendicitis in children. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:12-19. [PMID: 38049531 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05819-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The imaging evaluation of acute abdominal pain in children with suspected appendicitis has evolved to include rapid abdominopelvic MRI (rMRI) over recent years. Through a collaborative effort between the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committees of the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), we conducted a survey on the utilization of rMRI to assess practice specifics and protocols. Subsequently, we present a proposed consensus rMRI protocol derived from the survey results, literature review, and discussion and consensus between committee members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara E Morin
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
| | | | - Gregory Vorona
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | | | - James M Brian
- Department of Radiology, Penn State Children's Hospital, Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - Govind B Chavhan
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Taylor Chung
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, USA
| | | | - Summer L Kaplan
- Department of Radiology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Michael Moore
- Department of Radiology, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Kathleen Schenker
- Department of Radiology, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | - Michael Aquino
- Section of Pediatric Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute and Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, Cleveland, USA
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Lamm R, Kumar SS, Collings AT, Haskins IN, Abou-Setta A, Narula N, Nepal P, Hanna NM, Athanasiadis DI, Scholz S, Bradley JF, Train AT, Pucher PH, Quinteros F, Slater B. Diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Endosc 2023; 37:8933-8990. [PMID: 37914953 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10456-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis remains controversial. This systematic review details the evidence and current best practices for the evaluation and management of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis in adults and children. METHODS Eight questions regarding the diagnosis and management of appendicitis were formulated. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov/NLM were queried for articles published from 2010 to 2022 with key words related to at least one question. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included. Two reviewers screened each publication for eligibility and then extracted data from eligible studies. Random effects meta-analyses were performed on all quantitative data. The quality of randomized and non-randomized studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 or Newcastle Ottawa Scale, respectively. RESULTS 2792 studies were screened and 261 were included. Most had a high risk of bias. Computerized tomography scan yielded the highest sensitivity (> 80%) and specificity (> 93%) in the adult population, although high variability existed. In adults with uncomplicated appendicitis, non-operative management resulted in higher odds of readmission (OR 6.10) and need for operation (OR 20.09), but less time to return to work/school (SMD - 1.78). In pediatric patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, non-operative management also resulted in higher odds of need for operation (OR 38.31). In adult patients with complicated appendicitis, there were higher odds of need for operation following antibiotic treatment only (OR 29.00), while pediatric patients had higher odds of abscess formation (OR 2.23). In pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for complicated appendicitis, higher risk of reoperation at any time point was observed in patients who had drains placed at the time of operation (RR 2.04). CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis remains nuanced. A personalized approach and appropriate patient selection remain key to treatment success. Further research on controversies in treatment would be useful for optimal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Lamm
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunjay S Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, 613 Curtis, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - Amelia T Collings
- Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ivy N Haskins
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ahmed Abou-Setta
- Centre for Healthcare Innovation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nisha Narula
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pramod Nepal
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nader M Hanna
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stefan Scholz
- Division of General and Thoracic Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joel F Bradley
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Arianne T Train
- Department of Surgery, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Philip H Pucher
- Department of Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Francisco Quinteros
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA
| | - Bethany Slater
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Ryan ME. Commentary: The emerging roll of rapid MR spine imaging in pediatrics. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:2490-2491. [PMID: 37735207 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05776-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maura E Ryan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 East Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Steinl G, Grabski D, Fleming M, Levin D, McGahren E, McCullough W, Gander J. Implementation of ultrasound and fast magnetic resonance imaging pathway reduces computed tomography utilization in children with suspected appendicitis. Pediatr Surg Int 2023; 39:238. [PMID: 37486585 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05521-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Computed tomography (CT) is still used in the imaging diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children at many hospitals. We implemented an ultrasound (US) and fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pathway for suspected appendicitis at our institution with the goal of reducing radiation exposure in children. METHODS All children (< 18 years old) who underwent appendectomy between January 2011 and July 2021 were reviewed. Data were collected on all imaging studies performed. In December 2015, we initiated an imaging pathway for suspected acute appendicitis. US was the initial imaging study, and a rapid protocol MRI was performed if US was equivocal. Those could not tolerate MRI underwent CT. We evaluated the difference in percentage of patients who underwent CT before and after pathway initiation. RESULTS 554 patients who underwent appendectomy did not have prior imaging studies on presentation to our hospital and were included in analysis. After initiating the pathway, the use of abdominal US increased from 87% (220 of 254) to 97% (291 of 300, p < 0.0001) and the use of MRI increased by 100% (0 MRIs pre-protocol, 90 of 300 patients post-protocol, p < 0.0001). CT utilization decreased significantly from 32% (82 of 254) to 2% (6 of 300, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Embracing a new US and rapid MRI pathway to evaluate pediatric patients with suspected acute appendicitis resulted in significant reduction in CT utilization and therefore radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Steinl
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - David Grabski
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Mark Fleming
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Daniel Levin
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee St., Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Eugene McGahren
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee St., Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - William McCullough
- Department of Radiology, Santa Clara Homestead Medical Center, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Gander
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee St., Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
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Gallo-Bernal S, Bedoya MA, Gee MS, Jaimes C. Pediatric magnetic resonance imaging: faster is better. Pediatr Radiol 2022:10.1007/s00247-022-05529-x. [PMID: 36261512 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05529-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the preferred imaging modality for evaluating a wide range of pediatric medical conditions. Nevertheless, the long acquisition times associated with this technique can limit its widespread use in young children, resulting in motion-degraded or non-diagnostic studies. As a result, sedation or general anesthesia is often necessary to obtain diagnostic images, which has implications for the safety profile of MRI, the cost of the exam and the radiology department's clinical workflow. Over the last decade, several techniques have been developed to increase the speed of MRI, including parallel imaging, single-shot acquisition, controlled aliasing techniques, compressed sensing and artificial-intelligence-based reconstructions. These are advantageous because shorter examinations decrease the need for sedation and the severity of motion artifacts, increase scanner throughput, and improve system efficiency. In this review we discuss a framework for image acceleration in children that includes the synergistic use of state-of-the-art MRI hardware and optimized pulse sequences. The discussion is framed within the context of pediatric radiology and incorporates the authors' experience in deploying these techniques in routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gallo-Bernal
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Alejandra Bedoya
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., 2nd floor, Main Building, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michael S Gee
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Camilo Jaimes
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., 2nd floor, Main Building, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Figueiro Longo MG, Jaimes C, Machado F, Delgado J, Gee MS. Pediatric Emergency MRI. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2022; 30:533-552. [PMID: 35995478 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
There is an overall increase in the use of imaging in the pediatric emergency room setting, which is accompanied by a reduction in computed tomography examinations performed mainly due to the increased awareness of the risks of ionizing radiation. Advances in MRI technology have led to shortened scan time, decreased motion sensitivity, and improved spatial resolution. With increased access to MRI in the emergency room setting, the goal of this article is to review major applications of MR in pediatric emergency room patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriela Figueiro Longo
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Camilo Jaimes
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fedel Machado
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jorge Delgado
- Division of MSK Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Michael S Gee
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Tzortzopoulou AK, Tsolia M, Spyridis N, Giamarelou P, Sfakiotaki R, Passalides A, Zavras N. A New Score for the Diagnosis of Complicated Appendicitis in Children - Complicated Appendicitis Pediatric Score. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg 2022; 27:410-418. [PMID: 36238344 PMCID: PMC9552662 DOI: 10.4103/jiaps.jiaps_110_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aims to construct and validate a new score for diagnosis of complicated appendicitis in children, complicated appendicitis pediatric score (CoAPS), to guide residents' clinical decision-making on choosing the correct patients for immediate surgery, reducing the emergency negative surgeries. Methods This prospective observational study enrolled two cohorts of patients 5-15 years old. Four hundred and seven consecutive patients were enrolled for the derivation cohort. Demographic data, clinical features, and histopathology data were collected. The outcome measure was the histological diagnosis of gangrenous appendicitis with or without perforation. The score was next validated in a separate cohort of 312 consecutive patients who were classified according to their risk of complicated appendicitis. The diagnostic performance of the score and the potential for the risk stratification to select patients for diagnostic imaging, emergency operative management, and reduce emergency negative operation rates were quantified. Results A positive "jumping up" test, vomiting, white blood cell >13.5 × 10^3/ml, lymphocytes <18%, and C-reactive protein >50 mg/dl were independent predictors for complicated appendicitis. The final prediction model exhibited an area under the curve of 0.890 (95% confidence interval: 0.859-0.922). The low-risk group demonstrated high sensitivity (90.4%) for complicated appendicitis, while scores 6 or more were very specific (95%) for the disorder. Describing the potential utility of the score, emergency ultrasound imaging would have been postponed in 14.5% of patients (P = 0.0016), and emergency negative explorations would have been cut by 87%. Conclusion The CoAPS score could guide residents in emergency management of children with complicated appendicitis reducing hospitalizations and urgent surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelais K. Tzortzopoulou
- 2nd Department of Pediatric Surgery, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Childrens’ Hospital, Athens, Greece,Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mariza Tsolia
- Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicolaos Spyridis
- Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece,Address for correspondence: Dr. Nicolaos Zavras, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece. E-mail:
| | | | - Rodanthi Sfakiotaki
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital “P. & A. Kyriakou”, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexander Passalides
- 2nd Department of Pediatric Surgery, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Childrens’ Hospital, Athens, Greece
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D'Souza N, Hicks G, Beable R, Higginson A, Rud B. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 12:CD012028. [PMID: 34905621 PMCID: PMC8670723 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012028.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appendicitis remains a difficult disease to diagnose, and imaging adjuncts are commonly employed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging test that can be used to diagnose appendicitis. It is not commonly regarded as a first-line imaging test for appendicitis, but the reported diagnostic accuracy in some studies is equivalent to computed tomography (CT) scans. As it does not expose patients to radiation, it is an attractive imaging modality, particularly in women and children. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for detecting appendicitis in all patients. Secondary objectives: To investigate the accuracy of MRI in subgroups of pregnant women, children, and adults. To investigate the potential influence of MRI scanning variables such as sequences, slice thickness, or field of view. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Embase until February 2021. We searched the references of included studies and other systematic reviews to identify further studies. We did not exclude studies that were unpublished, published in another language, or retrospective. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies that compared the outcome of an MRI scan for suspected appendicitis with a reference standard of histology, intraoperative findings, or clinical follow-up. Three study team members independently filtered search results for eligible studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We independently extracted study data and assessed study quality using the Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy - Revised (QUADAS-2) tool. We used the bivariate model to calculate pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity. MAIN RESULTS We identified 58 studies with sufficient data for meta-analysis including a total of 7462 participants (1980 with and 5482 without acute appendicitis). Estimates of sensitivity ranged from 0.18 to 1.0; estimates of specificity ranged from 0.4 to 1.0. Summary sensitivity was 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 0.97); summary specificity was 0.96 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.97). Sensitivity and specificity remained high on subgroup analysis for pregnant women (sensitivity 0.96 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.99); specificity 0.97 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.98); 21 studies, 2282 women); children (sensitivity 0.96 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.97); specificity 0.96 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.98); 17 studies, 2794 children); and adults (sensitivity 0.96 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.97); specificity 0.93 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.98); 9 studies, 1088 participants), as well as different scanning techniques. In a hypothetical cohort of 1000 patients, there would be 12 false-positive results and 30 false-negative results. Methodological quality of the included studies was poor, and the risk of bias was high or unclear in 53% to 83% of the QUADAS-2 domains. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS MRI appears to be highly accurate in confirming and excluding acute appendicitis in adults, children, and pregnant women regardless of protocol. The methodological quality of the included studies was generally low due to incomplete and low standards of follow-up, so summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity may be biased. We could not assess the impact and direction of potential bias given the very low number of high-quality studies. Studies comparing MRI protocols were few, and although we found no influence of MRI protocol variables on the summary estimates of accuracy, our results do not rule out that some MRI protocols are more accurate than others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bo Rud
- Gastrounit, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre , Hvidovre, Denmark
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11
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Tung EL, Baird GL, Ayyala RS, Sams C, Herliczek TW, Swenson DW. Comparison of MRI appendix biometrics in children with and without acute appendicitis. Eur Radiol 2021; 32:1024-1033. [PMID: 34383146 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study is to improve MRI-specific diagnostic criteria for pediatric appendicitis through comparison of normal and abnormal appendix-related imaging features. METHODS A retrospective multireader-multicase design was used, including non-contrast MRI performed for suspected pediatric appendicitis following non-diagnostic US from January 2014 to December 2017. Positive diagnosis was defined by surgical pathology or symptom resolution after antibiotics. Four pediatric radiologists independently graded study biometrics while blinded to clinical data. Balanced complete block design was used to determine performance characteristics. RESULTS Global diagnosis of appendicitis (208 studies) had sensitivity 90.6% and specificity 97.7%. Median appendix diameter was 10.4 mm among positive cases and 5.8 mm among negative cases (p < 0.001) with an optimal diagnostic cutoff of 7.5 mm (sensitivity 89.4%, specificity 86.5%). Median appendix wall thickness was 2.6 mm among positive cases and 1.7 mm among negative cases (p < 0.001) with an optimal diagnostic cutoff of 2.3 mm (sensitivity 63.1%, specificity 82.9%). Performance characteristics for qualitative appendix features included distinguishable appendix luminal signal (sensitivity 89.6%, specificity 83.7%), intraluminal fluid-signal intensity (sensitivity 63.6%; specificity 52.3%), intraluminal signal intermediate between fluid and bowel wall (sensitivity 91.0%; specificity 37.1%), appendicolith (sensitivity 34.9%; specificity 100.0%), intraluminal layering (sensitivity 25.9%; specificity 100.0%), hyperintense appendix wall signal (sensitivity 31.7%; specificity 100.0%), periappendiceal fluid (sensitivity 66.8%; specificity 72.5%), periappendiceal fatty edema (sensitivity 91.3%; specificity 94.5%), and free pelvic fluid (sensitivity 88.5%; specificity 26.0). CONCLUSIONS This study provides MRI-specific performance of pediatric appendicitis quantitative and qualitative biometrics with peri-appendiceal fatty edema, appendix diameter > 7.5 mm, and distinguishable appendix luminal signal demonstrating the highest overall accuracy. KEY POINTS • This retrospective multireader-multicase study characterized magnetic resonance imaging-specific diagnostic accuracy of quantitative and qualitative biometrics for pediatric appendicitis. • The optimal quantitative diagnostic thresholds for an abnormal pediatric appendix at MRI included diameter and wall thickness of 7.5 mm and 2.3 mm, respectively. • Qualitative imaging biometrics with high specificity for pediatric appendicitis on MRI included the presence of distinguishable appendix lumen signal from wall signal, appendicolith, intraluminal fluid-fluid layer, appendix wall hyperintensity, and peri-appendiceal fatty edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Tung
- , Cambridge, USA. .,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Grayson L Baird
- Lifespan Biostatistics Core, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Rama S Ayyala
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3320 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Cassandra Sams
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital - Hasbro Children's Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Thaddeus W Herliczek
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital - Hasbro Children's Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - David W Swenson
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital - Hasbro Children's Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
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