Study on evaluation of ultrasound and CT scan in diagnosis of appendicitis

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common abdominal emergency with a lifetime prevalence of about 7 %. As the clinical diagnosis of AA remains a challenge to emergency physicians and surgeons, imaging modalities have gained major importance in the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected AA. Objectives of this study: The objectives of this study was to compare CT scan and USG abdomen for the diagnosis of AA. Materials and Methods: Surgical pathology was considered the gold standard for calculation of sensitivities of CT and US. Radiographic results were evaluated to calculate sensitivity and positive predictive values (PPV). Case sheet information was abstracted to determine negative appendectomy (NA) rates, clinical and laboratory findings. Statistical Analysis: Sensitivity, PPV, and NA were calculated. When calculating sensitivity, ultrasounds in which the appendix was not visualized were negative. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. Results: This study includes 200 patients who came in the department of radio diagnosis, for CT scan and USG abdomen during the study period of one year. Based on the inclusion criteria 47/100 were CT cohort and 68/100 were USG cohort.