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A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Sonography of acute appendicitis in children: 7 years experience

H B Hahn1, F U Hoepner, T Kalle

  • 1Department of Paediatric Radiology, Kinderklinik, Technischen Universität, München, Germany.

Pediatric Radiology
|April 30, 1998
PubMed

Insights

High-resolution graded compression sonography accurately diagnoses appendicitis in children, with 96% overall accuracy. Clinical decisions for surgery are still necessary due to occasional false results.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Abdominal Imaging
  • Diagnostic Ultrasound

Background:

  • Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgery and complications.
  • Graded compression sonography is a widely used imaging modality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution graded compression sonography for appendicitis in pediatric patients.
  • To correlate sonographic findings with surgical and histopathological outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 3859 children with suspected appendicitis over 7 years.
  • High-resolution graded compression ultrasound technique was employed.
  • Sonographic results were compared with intraoperative findings, histopathology, or clinical follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Sonography demonstrated 90% sensitivity, 97% specificity, and 96% overall accuracy in diagnosing appendicitis.
  • Of 610 patients undergoing laparotomy, 494 had confirmed appendicitis (13% prevalence).
  • Analysis of false-negative and false-positive cases was performed.

Conclusions:

  • High-resolution graded compression sonography offers excellent diagnostic performance for pediatric appendicitis.
  • Despite high accuracy, clinical judgment remains essential for surgical decisions due to persistent false positives and negatives.
Abstract

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