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Unenhanced spiral CT for evaluating acute appendicitis in daily routine. A prospective study
1Department of Abdominal Radiology, Martin-Luther-University, Faculty of Medicine, Magdeburger Strasse 16 D-06112 Halle/Saale, Germany. pickuth@aol.com
Hepato-Gastroenterology
|March 28, 2001
Summary
Spiral computed tomography (CT) accurately diagnoses acute appendicitis in patients with unclear symptoms. This imaging technique improves preoperative diagnosis and reduces unnecessary surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgical Diagnostics
Background:
- Acute appendicitis diagnosis can be challenging with clinical findings alone.
- Spiral computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used in evaluating suspected appendicitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the role of spiral CT in routine evaluation of suspected acute appendicitis.
- To assess the impact of CT on patient treatment and management.
Main Methods:
- 120 patients with suspected appendicitis underwent spiral CT.
- Scans covered the lower abdomen to upper pelvis with 5-mm collimation.
- CT findings were correlated with surgical and pathological results.
Main Results:
- CT demonstrated high accuracy: 95% sensitivity and 89% specificity for appendicitis.
- Key CT signs included fat stranding (100%), enlarged appendix (97%), and appendicoliths (43%).
- CT correctly diagnosed 88/93 appendicitis cases and 24/27 non-appendicitis cases.
Conclusions:
- Spiral CT significantly improves preoperative diagnosis in equivocal appendicitis cases.
- CT reduces the negative appendectomy rate.
- Appendiceal CT is an accurate diagnostic tool in daily clinical practice.