Abstract
Background: The accuracy of noncontrast helical computed tomography (CT) for appendicitis has recently been demonstrated. What is its clinical utility? Methods: This was a retrospective review of 443 consecutive community hospital patients evaluated for acute appendicitis over an 18-month period using limited pelvic CT scan or clinical acumen alone. Results: Appendicitis was pathologically proven in 158 patients. The negative appendectomy rate was 5.4%. The best radiological indicators for a positive CT for appendicitis were pericecal inflammation (88%) and appendicolith(57%). Appendiceal CT was found to have a 92% sensitivity, 99.6% specificity, and a 97.5% accuracy. There were 260 patients who had a negative CT; 243 of these were sent home. Alternative diagnoses were identified in 22% of patients. Conclusions: The liberal use of noncontrast helical CT results in a low negative appendectomy rate and a high degree of confidence that a negative CT will allow patients to be sent home safely. Copyright (C) 2000 Excerpta Medica Inc.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 133-136 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | American journal of surgery |
Volume | 180 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery