穿孔性与非穿孔性阑尾炎的CT鉴别诊断价值

目的　探讨穿孔性和非穿孔性阑尾炎的CT表现,评估CT对这两种类型阑尾炎的诊断和鉴别诊断价值。资料与方法　选择经手术和病理证实的32例阑尾炎,根据手术结果将其分为2组:穿孔性阑尾炎组(21例)和非穿孔性阑尾炎组(11例)。分析阑尾炎的各种CT征象,并比较穿孔性与非穿孔性阑尾炎之间的CT表现。 结果　蜂窝组织炎、腹膜腔脓肿、阑尾壁强化伴缺损和阑尾周围积气是阑尾炎的直接 CT征象,对穿孔性阑尾炎的诊断有很高的特异性(P<0.05),穿孔性阑尾炎组的阑尾肿大较非穿孔性阑尾炎组更为明显(P<0.05)。间接CT征象中肠壁增厚、腹水、回肠壁强化、阑尾腔内积气以及积气合并阑尾附近大肠炎在穿孔性阑尾炎组中出现的频率也明显高于非穿孔性阑尾炎组(P<0.05)。 结论　直接CT征象可用于判断阑尾炎是否伴有穿孔,间接CT征象对于难以鉴别的病例有一定价值。     

Perforated versus nonperforated acute appendicitis: accuracy of multidetector CT detection

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of perforated acute appendicitis by using surgery and pathologic examination combined as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was institutional review board approved and HIPAA compliant. Informed patient consent was waived. The authors retrospectively identified 244 patients (150 male, 94 female; mean age, 32.8 years; age range, 4-83 years) with pathologically proved acute appendicitis who underwent abdominopelvic multidetector CT. Two radiologists reviewed in consensus the multidetector CT images obtained in all patients for various findings that may be associated with appendiceal perforation. For continuous variables, a comparison of means between the perforated and nonperforated groups was performed by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. For categorical variables, the sensitivity and specificity of each CT finding for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis were determined. RESULTS: The CT findings of abscess (99%), extraluminal gas (98%), and ileus (93%) had the highest specificities for appendiceal perforation; however, the sensitivities of these findings were low: 34%, 35%, and 53%, respectively. The appendix was larger in patients with perforated appendicitis: The mean diameter was 15.1 mm compared with a mean diameter of 11.7 mm in patients with nonperforated appendicitis (P < .001). Appendicolith, free fluid, enlarged abdominal lymph nodes, and enhancement defect in the appendiceal wall were neither highly sensitive nor highly specific for the detection of perforation. CONCLUSION: Although certain multidetector CT findings are very specific for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis, overall multidetector CT sensitivity is poor. Unless abscess or extraluminal gas is present, multidetector CT cannot enable the diagnosis of perforation.     

穿孔性阑尾炎与非穿孔性阑尾炎的CT鉴别诊断

目的:评价多排螺旋CT对穿孔性与非穿孔性阑尾炎的鉴别诊断价值.方法:搜集手术及病理证实的急性阑尾炎151例,并按照手术及病理结果分为穿孔组(66例)和非穿孔组(85例),总结分析其CT表现,并比较穿孔性与非穿孔性阑尾炎的CT表现.结果:阑尾腔外粪石、阑尾腔外气体、阑尾周围脓肿、阑尾壁局限性强化缺损对诊断阑尾炎穿孔有很高的特异性(P＜0.05),为诊断阑尾炎穿孔的特异性征象;阑尾周围炎、盆腔炎改变在穿孔组发现频率也明显高于非穿孔组(P＜0.05),穿孔组阑尾直径明显大于非穿孔组(P＜0.05),对诊断阑尾炎穿孔有一定价值;阑尾位置、阑尾腔内粪石、阑尾腔内气体、阑尾周围淋巴结肿大在两组中无明显差异(P＞0.05).结论:CT是诊断穿孔性阑尾炎有效、快速的方法,其中阑尾腔外粪石、阑尾腔外气体、阑尾壁局限性强化缺损、阑尾周围脓肿为诊断穿孔性阑尾炎较为特异的CT征象,阑尾周围炎、盆腔炎改变、阑尾直径增大对于诊断阑尾炎穿孔有一定价值.     

Differentiation of perforated from nonperforated appendicitis at CT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of five computed tomographic (CT) criteria in the differentiation of perforated from nonperforated appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of 94 patients with surgically proven appendicitis were classified on review as showing perforation if one of five CT findings was present. The authors calculated the sensitivity and specificity for each finding by comparing the predicted outcome to the surgical and pathologic outcome. RESULTS: The perforated group comprised 39 patients and the nonperforated group comprised 55 patients. Sensitivity for abscess, phlegmon, extraluminal air, extraluminal appendicolith, and focal defect in enhancing appendiceal wall individually were 36%, 46%, 36%, 21%, and 64%, respectively. Sensitivity for any one of the five findings was 94.9%. Specificities were 100% for all findings except for phlegmon (95%). Groups differed with respect to age: 47 years +/- 19 (mean +/- SD) for perforated appendicitis and 30 years +/- 13 for nonperforated appendicitis (P <.001). Groups also differed with respect to appendiceal diameter: 15 mm +/- 4.9 for perforated appendicitis and 12 mm +/- 3.3 for nonperforated appendicitis (P =.049). CONCLUSION: A dedicated search for five specific CT findings allowed an overall sensitivity of 94.9% for perforated appendicitis. Among findings with 100% specificity, a focal defect in the enhancing appendiceal wall achieved the highest sensitivity.     

Differentiation of nonperforated from perforated appendicitis: accuracy of CT diagnosis and relationship of CT findings to length of hospital stay

PURPOSE: To determine retrospectively the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomographic (CT) signs in differentiating acute nonperforated appendicitis from perforated appendicitis and to compare CT findings with the length of hospital stay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for this study, and patient informed consent was obtained for record review for research purposes. Two radiologists were blinded to patient identification but were informed that all patients presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and underwent appendectomy. Radiologists independently reviewed CT images of 86 consecutive patients (45 males, 41 females; mean age, 33.7 years; age range, 8.2-87.1 years) who presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain, who underwent CT after initial emergency department assessment, and who underwent appendectomy within the subsequent 24 hours. Individual findings and confidence level for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis were noted. Consensus interpretation was performed with a third radiologist. The consensus CT findings were correlated with the surgical and pathologic findings by using chi(2) or Fisher exact tests for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multiple variable analysis. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to assess the association between consensus CT findings and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Twenty-one (24%) of the 86 patients had appendiceal perforation. Extraluminal air and either moderate or severe periappendiceal inflammatory stranding were statistically significant independent predictors for perforation (P < .001). A focal defect in enhancing appendiceal wall was significantly associated with perforation (P < .001) and had a sensitivity of 58.8% and specificity of 85.7% on consensus review, with eight false-positive results. There was a strong association between the degree of periappendiceal inflammatory stranding and the length of hospital stay (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Extraluminal air and moderate or severe periappendiceal inflammatory stranding are statistically significant independent predictors for appendiceal perforation and are associated with increased hospital stay.     

Evaluation of perforated and nonperforated appendicitis with CT

Fifty-three patients with 38 cases of perforated appendicitis and 15 cases of appendicitis without perforation were evaluated based on the computed tomography (CT) appearances of appendiceal diameter, phlegmon, abscess, extraluminal air, appendiceal wall enhancement, lateroconal fascial thickening, appendicolith, bowel wall thickening, ascites, ileal wall enhancement, peritoneal enhancement, periappendiceal fluid, omental haziness, retrocecal appendix, intraluminal air, and the combination of intraluminal air and appendicolith. The result of appendiceal diameter was compared using two-sample Student's t test, and the other CT findings were analyzed by Fisher's Exact Test. Our results showed that appendix was larger in caliber in perforated appendix (P<.05). Direct CT signs (i.e., phlegmon, abscess, and extraluminal air) were more specific for perforated appendicitis (P<.05). Indirect signs (bowel wall thickening, ascites, ileal wall enhancement, intraluminal air, and combined intraluminal air and appendicolith) were also found in higher incidence in appendiceal perforation (P<.05). Appendiceal enlargement and ileal wall enhancement were the two predominant findings in one case of perforation. We concluded that direct and indirect CT appearances can differentiate appendicitis with and without perforation. Indirect signs may be helpful in difficult case.     

儿童急性阑尾炎的CT表现及其评价

目的：探讨儿童急性阑尾炎的CT表现及其诊断价值。方法：回顾性分析本院2007年1月～2008年12月经手术和病理证实的55例小儿急性阑尾炎的临床和CT资料,总结其CT表现特点和临床应用价值。结果：55例急性阑尾炎中,卡他型12例,化脓型25例,坏疽型18例。CT表现为阑尾肿胀增粗（37/55）;阑尾腔内肠石（35/55）;阑尾腔内积气（17/55）;阑尾穿孔并周围脓肿形成（18/55）;阑尾周围组织密度不均匀升高（19/55）;相邻盲肠壁增厚（24/55）;腹水（11/55）;肠梗阻（5/55）;其它还有肝脓肿、NEC等并发症形成。结论：儿童急性阑尾炎的CT表现具有一定特点,CT检查可显示阑尾及其周围组织结构的病理改变,为临床明确诊断提供客观依据,尤其适用于儿童。     

Effect of ultrasonography and optional computed tomography on the outcome of appendectomy

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of US and complementary CT in patients with suspected appendicitis, and to detect adverse outcomes of preoperative imaging. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 233 consecutive patients who underwent an appendectomy as an emergency procedure in our hospital, within a 2-year period. Our hospital policy is to perform diagnostic imaging in all patients with clinical suspicion of appendicitis. The US was performed in 227 patients, followed by additional unenhanced helical focused appendiceal CT in 30 patients with equivocal US results. We evaluated the negative appendectomy rate, occurrence of perforation, and our in-hospital delay. Acute appendicitis was pathologically proven in 219 patients, corresponding to a negative appendectomy rate of 6%. The US with optional CT diagnosed appendicitis with a sensitivity of 96.7%. Forty-eight appendices (21.9%) were perforated. The median overall in-hospital delay was 5 h (range 0.5–123.5 h). For the perforated appendices this was 4.5 h (range 0.5–64.5 h), for the non-perforated appendices 6.0 h (range 0.5–123.5 h). In patients with suspected acute appendicitis, US examination with the option of additional CT significantly lowers the negative appendectomy rate as compared with the clinical acumen alone, without adverse effects on the perforation rate or the in-hospital delay.     

Diagnostic accuracy of focused appendiceal CT in clinically equivocal cases of acute appendicitis.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of modified focused appendiceal computed tomography (CT) to exclude or confirm appendicitis in patients who presented with equivocal symptoms and signs of appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients (age range, 14-81 years; mean age, 30.6 years) with equivocal symptoms and signs of acute appendicitis were included in this prospective study. Patients were given 30 mL of diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium and 60 mL of sorbitol mixed in 1 L of water orally over 1 hour. CT was performed 1.5 hours after the commencement of oral contrast material administration. The criteria used for the diagnosis of appendicitis were (a) appendix greater than 6 mm in maximum diameter, (b) no contrast material in the appendiceal lumen, and (c) inflammatory changes in the periappendiceal fat. CT results were compared with histopathologic findings at appendectomy. Patients with negative CT findings were followed up by telephone or clinically. RESULTS: Of 100 cases, 30 were positive at CT and 70 were negative. There were 28 true-positive cases; two false-positive cases, one cecal diverticulitis and one pelvic peritonitis with periappendicitis; and two false-negative cases, one perforated appendix and one mucosal and submucosal inflammation of the appendix but no transmural inflammation. Sensitivity was 93%, specificity was 97%, and accuracy was 96%. CONCLUSION: Focused appendiceal CT in which oral contrast material is used alone yields high levels of accuracy in clinically equivocal cases of acute appendicitis.     

Rapid CT scan visualization of the appendix and early acute non-perforated appendicitis using an improved oral contrast method

The purpose of this study was to optimize detection of the normal appendix in the clinical exclusion of acute nonperforated appendicitis using an improved and rapid method of bowel opacification in conjunction with the CT examination. A prospective evaluation of 100 consecutive patients, ranging from 13 to 50 years in age, was performed over a 4-month period using water-soluble oral contrast medium consisting of a fixed dose of diatrizoate salts administered as a prepared beverage in the emergency ward 50 min prior to performing a CT scan to evaluate clinical signs and symptoms of early acute appendicitis. The appendix was visualized in 84% (84 of 100) of patients, with a mean transit time of 50 min. The appendix filled with oral contrast medium in 89% (75 of 84) patients, and this sign was reliable in excluding appendicitis. In no instance did a contrast-filled appendix prove to represent appendicitis. The earliest signs of appendicitis were seen in 8% (8 of 100) patients. CT scan findings included absence of a contrast- or air-containing appendix with appendiceal thickening and infiltration of the periappendiceal mesenteric fat. CT scan utilizing a fixed dosage of orally administered water-soluble contrast containing diatrizoate salts, with a mean transit time of 50 min, provides a rapid and efficient means of visualizing the appendix in the clinical exclusion of appendicitis in the emergency setting.     

螺旋CT扫描对穿孔与非穿孔性阑尾炎的鉴别诊断价值

目的：评价螺旋CT扫描对穿孔与非穿孔性阑尾炎的鉴别诊断价值.方法：对116例手术、病理证实的阑尾炎患者的CT资料进行分析.116例中,45例并发阑尾穿孔（穿孔组）,71例未发生穿孔（非穿孔组）.结果：阑尾脓肿、蜂窝织炎、阑尾腔外积气和腔外结石4种征象对诊断阑尾穿孔的敏感度分别为42.2%、51.1%、15.6%和8.9%,特异度除蜂窝织炎为94.4%外,其余均为100%.CT诊断阑尾炎穿孔总的敏感度93.3%,特异度94.4%,诊断符合率为94%.此外,穿孔组患者的平均年龄和阑尾横径均大于非穿孔组者.结论：仔细观察有无阑尾脓肿、蜂窝织炎、腔外积气、腔外结石等征象,对判断阑尾炎及是否并发穿孔具有较高的诊断价值.     

When appendicitis is suspected in children.

Acute appendicitis is the most common condition requiring emergent abdominal surgery in childhood. The clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis is often not straightforward because approximately one-third of children with the condition have atypical clinical findings. The delayed diagnosis of this condition has serious consequences, including appendiceal perforation, abscess formation, peritonitis, sepsis, bowel obstruction, and death. Cross-sectional imaging with ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) have proved useful for the evaluation of suspected acute appendicitis. There has been a great deal of variability in the utilization of these modalities for such diagnosis in the pediatric population. The principal advantages of US are its lower cost, lack of ionizing radiation, and ability to assess vascularity through color Doppler techniques and to provide dynamic information through graded compression. The principal advantages of CT include less operator dependency than US, as reflected by a higher diagnostic accuracy, and enhanced delineation of disease extent in a perforated appendix.     

Rare benign and malignant appendiceal lesions: spectrum of computed tomography findings with pathologic correlation

Although acute appendicitis is the most common disease of the appendix, the appendix can be involved by a wide range of diseases. Diseases other than acute appendicitis may produce signs and symptoms indistinguishable from those of acute appendicitis. Computed tomography (CT) can provide important information for diagnosis and evaluation of appendiceal diseases. The various CT and histologic features of appendiceal benign and neoplastic diseases are discussed, illustrated, and correlated in this article. Radiologists need to understand the full spectrum of appendiceal abnormalities, their underlying pathologic changes, and associated CT imaging findings.     

Appendiceal Visualization on 2-mSv CT vs. Conventional-Dose CT in Adolescents and Young Adults with Suspected Appendicitis: An Analysis of Large Pragmatic Randomized Trial Data

ObjectiveWe compared appendiceal visualization on 2-mSv CT vs. conventional-dose CT (median 7 mSv) in adolescents and young adults and analyzed the undesirable clinical and diagnostic outcomes that followed appendiceal nonvisualization.Materials and MethodsA total of 3074 patients aged 15–44 years (mean ± standard deviation, 28 ± 9 years; 1672 female) from 20 hospitals were randomized to the 2-mSv CT or conventional-dose CT group (1535 vs. 1539) from December 2013 through August 2016. A total of 161 radiologists from 20 institutions prospectively rated appendiceal visualization (grade 0, not identified; grade 1, unsure or partly visualized; and grade 2, clearly and entirely visualized) and the presence of appendicitis in these patients. The final diagnosis was based on CT imaging and surgical, pathologic, and clinical findings. We analyzed undesirable clinical or diagnostic outcomes, such as negative appendectomy, perforated appendicitis, more extensive than simple appendectomy, delay in patient management, or incorrect CT diagnosis, which followed appendiceal nonvisualization (defined as grade 0 or 1) and compared the outcomes between the two groups.ResultsIn the 2-mSv CT and conventional-dose CT groups, appendiceal visualization was rated as grade 0 in 41 (2.7%) and 18 (1.2%) patients, respectively; grade 1 in 181 (11.8%) and 81 (5.3%) patients, respectively; and grade 2 in 1304 (85.0%) and 1421 (92.3%) patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Overall, undesirable outcomes were rare in both groups. Compared to the conventional-dose CT group, the 2-mSv CT group had slightly higher rates of perforated appendicitis (1.1% [17] vs. 0.5% [7], p = 0.06) and false-negative diagnoses (0.4% [6] vs. 0.0% [0], p = 0.01) following appendiceal nonvisualization. Otherwise, these two groups were comparable.ConclusionThe use of 2-mSv CT instead of conventional-dose CT impairs appendiceal visualization in more patients. However, appendiceal nonvisualization on 2-mSv CT rarely leads to undesirable clinical or diagnostic outcomes.     

Beyond acute appendicitis: imaging and pathologic spectrum of appendiceal pathology

While acute appendicitis is a common and important clinical problem, a variety of other disease processes can affect the appendix. Simple and perforated appendicitis, tip appendicitis, and stump appendicitis share a common clinical presentation including anorexia, right lower quadrant pain, and fever. By imaging, most cases of acute appendicitis exhibit luminal dilation, wall thickening, and periappendiceal inflammatory stranding. In tip appendicitis, these changes are isolated to the distal appendix, often with an obstructing appendicolith. Perforated appendicitis can exhibit mural discontinuity, periappendiceal abscess, and/or extraluminal appendicoliths. After appendectomy, the appendiceal remnant or “stump” can become inflamed, often necessitating repeat surgery. Inflammatory bowel disease can involve the terminal ileum, secondarily involving the appendix, or may primarily involve the appendix. Patient symptoms can be chronic in such cases, and mucosal hyperenhancement is a pronounced imaging feature. In asymptomatic patients without appendiceal inflammation, the appendix can be dilated by intraluminal material such as inspissated succus in cystic fibrosis or mucus from benign appendiceal mucocele. Finally, neoplasms such as typical appendiceal carcinoid tumor and mucinous adenocarcinoma can involve the appendix. Carcinoids are often small and incidentally discovered at pathologic examination, while malignant mucinous adenocarcinoma tends to present with advanced disease including pseudomyxoma peritonei. Cecal cancers can also obstruct the appendiceal lumen and cause acute appendicitis; an astute radiologist can recognize this prospectively and facilitate definitive resection (right hemicolectomy) at the time of surgery. Attention to mural features, cecal configuration, and periappendiceal inflammation is essential to the correct prospective diagnosis of complicated appendicitis and less common appendiceal pathologies.     

32层螺旋CT三维重组在急性阑尾炎诊断及鉴别诊断中的价值

目的：探讨32层螺旋CT三维重组诊断急性阑尾炎的临床应用。方法：搜集60例临床拟诊急性阑尾炎的病例,采用32层螺旋CT进行扫描,以1.25mm层厚行薄层多平面容积重组图像后处理,总结分析其CT表现,并将诊断结果与手术及病理结果进行对照。结果：60例患者中,诊断为急性阑尾炎54例,右侧腹股沟疝1例,右侧输尿管下段结石1例,胆囊炎1例,结肠肿瘤1例,假阴性2例。其中CT表现为阑尾水肿、增粗、管壁增厚者52例,阑尾腔内肠石10例,阑尾周围炎45例,回盲部壁增厚12例,阑尾脓肿2例,阑尾穿孔2例,其中1例并发腹膜炎及麻痹性小肠梗阻。结论：急性阑尾炎有典型的CT表现,32层螺旋CT三维重组及图像后处理技术能从不同角度显示阑尾及其周围情况,在急性阑尾炎的诊断和鉴别诊断中,有较高的临床应用价值。     

Appendiceal diverticulitis: diagnosis and differentiation from usual acute appendicitis using computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: To describe the computed tomographic findings of appendiceal diverticulitis. METHODS: Computed tomography (n = 20) and clinical findings in 23 patients with appendiceal diverticulitis were retrospectively reviewed and compared with those in 23 patients with usual acute appendicitis. RESULTS: Computed tomography visualized the inflamed diverticula (up to 4 per patient) mostly as small (median, 7.5 mm) round cystic outpouchings at the distal appendix with contrast enhancement at the cyst wall in 16 (80%) patients with appendiceal diverticulitis. In 50% of appendiceal diverticulitis patients, computed tomographic diagnosis of accompanying appendicitis was false positive. Appendicolith was rarely observed in the appendiceal diverticulitis group (5% vs 48%, P = 0.002). No significant difference was observed in the clinical findings except for the patient age (median, 45 vs 31 years; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most appendiceal diverticulitis can be differentiated from usual acute appendicitis at computed tomography by visualization of the inflamed diverticulum.     

Appendiceal abscess drainage

Appendicitis is the most common abdominal inflammatory process in children, and the most frequent indication for abdominal drainage encountered in pediatric interventional radiology. Imaging in the diagnosis of appendicitis is evolving with CT becoming more common, although the incidence of perforation is not definitely improving. Tailored CT techniques for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis are designed to expedite care, but are not optimal in the diagnosis or characterization of abscesses. In the appropriate clinical setting the CT study needs to be altered for appropriate therapeutic planning. Drainage of appendiceal abscesses utilizes multiple techniques, some of which are more useful in children than adults. Image-guided drainage can facilitate a more limited surgery and can avoid repeat surgery from postoperative abscesses. Radiation doses must be minimized due to the increased risk in children. This article will discuss imaging in children with suspected appendiceal abscesses and drainage techniques.     

The most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the most useful findings to look for in diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Appendiceal helical CT scans with intravenous contrast administration (abdomen, 7-mm collimation; abdominopelvic junction, 5-mm collimation) of 71 patients with surgically proven acute appendicitis and 167 patients with alternative diagnoses were reviewed retrospectively. Three radiologists analyzed the following parameters: enlarged appendix (>6 mm in diameter), appendiceal wall thickening, appendiceal wall enhancement, no identification of the appendix, appendicolith(s), appendiceal intraluminal air, intramural air, extraluminal air, periappendiceal fat stranding, extraluminal fluid, phlegmon, abscess, lymphadenopathy, segmental terminal ileal wall thickening, focal cecal apical thickening, focal colonic wall thickening, and segmental colonic wall thickening. The features that best distinguished appendicitis from alternative diagnoses were selected with stepwise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Nine CT findings distinguished acute appendicitis from alternative diagnoses (P < 0.05): enlarged appendix (R = 0.739), appendiceal wall thickening (R = 0.525), periappendiceal fat stranding (R = 0.414), appendiceal wall enhancement (R = 0.404), focal cecal apical thickening (R = 0.171), appendicolith(s) (R = 0.157), extraluminal air (R = 0.050), intramural air (R = 0.043), and phlegmon (R = 0.030). Enlarged appendix (sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 92%), appendiceal wall thickening (sensitivity, 66%; specificity, 96%), periappendiceal fat stranding (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 74%), and appendiceal wall enhancement (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 85%) showed the statistically most significant association with acute appendicitis. CONCLUSION: On 5-mm-section contrast-enhanced helical CT examinations, enlarged appendix, appendiceal wall thickening, periappendiceal fat stranding, and appendiceal wall enhancement were the most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis.     

Controversies in emergency radiology: acute appendicitis in children—the case for CT

Acute appendicitis is the most common condition requiring surgical intervention in childhood. The clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis is often not straightforward and can be challenging. Approximately one-third of children with the condition have atypical clinical findings and are initially managed nonoperatively. There is currently great variability in the utilization of imaging for the assessment of suspected acute appendicitis in children. The principal imaging modalities utilized are graded-compression sonography and CT. Sonography has important diagnostic limitations that are addressed by CT. The principal advantages of CT include its operator independency, with resultant higher diagnostic accuracy, enhanced delineation of disease extent in perforated appendicitis, and improved patient outcomes including decreased negative laparotomy and perforation rates.