Ultrasonography of normal and abnormal appendix in children

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Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
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Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition

Published on: June 21, 2024

Noh Hyuck Park1, Hwa Eun Oh, Hee Jin Park

  • 1Noh Hyuck Park, Hee Jin Park, Ji Yeon Park, Department of Radiology, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Myongji Hospital, 697-24 Hwajung-dong, Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 412-270, South Korea.

World Journal of Radiology
|May 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Ultrasonography aids in diagnosing appendicitis in children. This study reviews ultrasound findings to improve accuracy and reduce unnecessary surgeries for pediatric appendicitis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Appendicitis is a common pediatric surgical emergency.
  • Ultrasonography is a key diagnostic tool for appendicitis since 1986.
  • Maximal outer diameter (MOD) is a primary criterion but has limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a comprehensive spectrum of ultrasonographic findings in normal and abnormal pediatric appendices.
  • To enhance diagnostic accuracy for appendicitis in children.
  • To minimize unnecessary surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of ultrasonographic images and findings in pediatric appendicitis cases.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria, focusing on maximal outer diameter (MOD).
  • Discussion of factors causing inaccuracies in MOD measurements.

Main Results:

  • Ultrasonography provides a range of findings for normal and abnormal appendices.
  • Inaccuracies in MOD measurement can arise from fecal material or inflammatory conditions.
  • Accurate interpretation of ultrasound findings is crucial for correct diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • A thorough understanding of ultrasonographic findings is essential for diagnosing pediatric appendicitis.
  • Improved diagnostic accuracy through ultrasound can lead to a reduction in unnecessary surgeries.
  • This review aims to standardize the interpretation of ultrasound for pediatric appendicitis.

Keywords:
Acute appendicitisAppendixChildrenUltrasonography

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