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Sensitivity and specificity of CT scan in small bowel obstruction among children

Huma Faiz Halepota1, Muhammad Arif Mateen Khan2, Noman Shahzad2

  • 1Indus Hospital, Karachi.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|June 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Computed tomography (CT) scans show high sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing pediatric small bowel obstruction. While effective, CT scans have limitations in specific cases like sub-acute obstruction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

  • Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency in children.
  • Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes.
  • Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly utilized for diagnosing abdominal pathologies in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) scans in identifying small bowel obstruction (SBO) in pediatric patients.
  • To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT scans for diagnosing SBO in children aged 2-16 years.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study was conducted.
  • Data from 98 pediatric patients (aged 2-16 years) with suspected SBO who underwent abdominal CT scans between January 2001 and December 2015 were analyzed.
  • Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.

Main Results:

  • The study included 98 patients (66% male), with a mean age of 7.67±4.33 years and mean symptom duration of 2.84±1.17 days.
  • CT scan demonstrated high sensitivity (97.4%), specificity (81.8%), positive predictive value (94.9%), negative predictive value (90.0%), and accuracy (93.9%) for diagnosing SBO.
  • The diagnostic performance metrics indicate a robust ability of CT scans to detect SBO in children.

Conclusions:

  • Computed tomography (CT) scans exhibit high sensitivity and good accuracy for diagnosing pediatric small bowel obstruction (SBO).
  • The specificity of CT scans for SBO diagnosis in children is fairly good.
  • Limitations of CT scans exist, particularly in diagnosing sub-acute intestinal obstruction and primary peritonitis.
Abstract

Keywords:
Small bowel obstruction, CT scan, Children, Laparotomy.

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