Extra-appendiceal findings in pediatric abdominal CT for suspected appendicitis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Abdominal Imaging
• Diagnostic CT

Background:

• Limited literature exists on incidental findings in pediatric abdominal CT scans.
• Adult abdominal CT incidental findings are well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and characteristics of extra-appendiceal and incidental findings.
• Focus on pediatric abdominal CT scans performed for suspected appendicitis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of pediatric abdominal CT scans (July 2010 - June 2012).
• Categorization of extra-appendiceal findings: incidental (doubtful significance), alternative diagnostic, and incidental (requiring correlation).

Main Results:

• 77 extra-appendiceal findings in 57 (34.5%) of 165 children.
• 41% of findings potentially explained symptoms; 39% required correlation; 8% had doubtful significance.
• Most findings occurred in children without appendicitis.

Conclusions:

• Extra-appendiceal findings are frequent in pediatric CT for suspected appendicitis.
• A notable proportion of these findings aid in explaining patient symptoms.
• Understanding these findings is crucial for accurate interpretation by radiologists.