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CT of appendicitis in children
A A Jabra1, E I Shalaby-Rana, E K Fishman
1Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) aids in diagnosing appendicitis in children, particularly for complicated cases. This study reviewed CT findings in 22 children, showing its utility in identifying appendiceal abnormalities and associated inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Abdominal Imaging
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications.
- Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used in pediatric imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review computed tomography (CT) findings in children with appendicitis.
- To define the role of CT in evaluating pediatric appendicitis.
- To assess CT's diagnostic accuracy compared to ultrasound.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans and medical records for 22 children with surgically confirmed appendicitis.
- Evaluation of appendiceal and pericecal findings on CT.
- Correlation of CT findings with ultrasound reports in 14 children.
Main Results:
- CT diagnosed appendicitis in 50% of cases (11/22).
- Abnormalities included thickened appendix, appendicoliths, abscesses (13/22), and phlegmon (5/22).
- CT demonstrated superiority over ultrasound in visualizing abscesses and inflammation extent.
Conclusions:
- CT is a valuable tool for diagnosing appendicitis in children.
- CT plays a significant role in managing complicated appendicitis.
- CT findings help delineate the extent of inflammation and abscess formation.