Anatomic basis for delayed diagnosis of appendicitis

Gangrene or perforation of the appendix is often caused by failure to make an early diagnosis of appendicitis. Variability in the anatomic location of the appendix can be responsible for atypical manifestations of appendicitis and diagnostic errors. Over a 52-month period, 125 appendectomies were done for suspected appendicitis at a military hospital. After excluding cases in which the location of the appendix was not provided, 106 cases were available for review. Fifteen patients (14%) did not have appendicitis. The appendix was found in the true pelvis, was behind the ileum or ileocolic mesentery, or was both retrocolic and retroperitoneal in 11 of 16 patients (69%) with gangrenous or perforative appendicitis. In contrast, the appendix was in one of these three sites in only four of 75 patients (5%) with simple appendicitis (P less than .001). Both physicians and patients were responsible for diagnostic delays, but the paucity of symptoms and signs in patients with a "hidden" appendix was the most likely cause of failure to diagnose appendicitis before perforation.     

Location of the Appendix in the Gravid Patient

Background

Several studies have attempted to support or dispel the teaching of appendix movement away from the right lower quadrant (RLQ) during pregnancy with contradictory results.

Objective

This study investigated the location of the appendix in the gravid patient in an emergency department (ED) setting using computed tomography (CT).

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of consecutive gravid patients presenting to the ED for trauma who required abdominal CT. The patient population was obtained using the Vidant Medical Center Trauma Registry from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2006. The abdomen was divided into nine regions using the mid-clavicular lines, superior anterior iliac spine, and umbilicus. A single Board-certified radiologist determined the region location of the appendix.

Results

Forty-five patients were identified and 35 were studied. Ten patients were excluded due to appendix not identified, unknown gestational age, or inability to review the CT study. In 21 of 22 third-trimester pregnancies, the appendix was not found in the right lower region (RLR), which corresponded to the RLQ. All 11 patients in the second trimester did not have the appendix in the RLR. Two patients were identified in the first trimester and neither appendix was found in the RLR.

Conclusions

The appendix in the gravid patient was not found in the RLR with increasing frequency as pregnancy progressed.     

Sonographic diagnosis of intussusception of the appendix vermiformis

We present 2 cases of intussusception of the appendix vermiformis (IAV) in children. Sonographic examination demonstrated a lead point within a characteristic multiconcentric ring sign, and longitudinal sonograms showed the inverted appendix protruding into the cecal lumen. A contrast-enema study, using a water-soluble contrast medium, was performed in each case, and a "coiled-spring" sign or "spiral shell" appearance confirmed the diagnosis. A surgical reduction of the appendix and an appendectomy were performed in each case.     

Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Appendicitis in a Community Hospital Emergency Department has a High Rate of Nondiagnostic Studies

Background

Radiation concerns are changing the way emergency physicians evaluate patients. This is especially prevalent in pediatrics, and exemplified by abdominal pain management. Large academic center-based studies suggest appendix ultrasound (U/S) is sensitive and specific for appendicitis, with low nondiagnostic rates.

Ultrasound evaluation of appendicitis: importance of the 3 × 2 table for outcome reporting

Introduction

Despite a relatively high frequency of appendix nonvisualization when using ultrasound to diagnose appendicitis, many studies either fail to report these results or inconsistently analyze outcomes.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine the most transparent and accurate way of reporting and analyzing ultrasound results for the diagnosis of appendicitis.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of emergency department patients age 18 years or older who underwent right lower quadrant ultrasonography from September 2010 to October 2011. Patient characteristics, imaging, pathology, and follow-up data were analyzed. Test characteristics were calculated using conventional 2 × 2 contingency table analysis excluding inconclusive ultrasound results and an intention-to-diagnose approach with a 3 × 2 table.

Results

Sixty-five patients were included. Forty-four (68%) patients had a nonvisualized appendix resulting in an overall diagnostic yield of 32%. Twenty-one patients had a visualized appendix (14 [22%] negative and 7 [11%] positive for appendicitis). Using 2 × 2 contingency table analysis, sensitivity and specificity were 100%. Using the 3 × 2 table with and the intention-to-diagnose principle, sensitivity was 70% and specificity was 25%. Three (7%) of 44 patients with a nonvisualized appendix had appendicitis (likelihood ratio = 0.40).

Discussion

We suggest reporting ultrasound results using a 3 × 2 table (including nonvisualized findings) but using the traditional 2 × 2 type of analysis for test characteristic calculations. This approach allows for the determination of diagnostic yield and calculation of likelihood ratios when the appendix is not visualized. This approach to reporting should be considered for all types of diagnostic ultrasound studies.     

Multiple lead appendoliths following ingestion of lead shot: time course and removal by laporoscopic appendectomy

Systemic lead poisoning may occur from ingested lead foreign bodies. Rarely, these may cause a retained appendolith. The risks of lead toxicity from these appendoliths, the time course of retention in the appendix, the rapidity of inhibition of heme synthesis, and the best approach to removal remain controversial. Fourteen days post-ingestion of a "handful" of lead shot, a 15-year-old male was admitted for elevated lead level; an x-ray showed aggregation of many pellets in the teen's appendix. A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed; examination of the removed appendix revealed greater than 50 retained pellets. An abdominal film obtained post-procedure showed removal of all but three of the pellets. Results from admission blood work found a blood lead level of 41 mcg/dL and free erythrocyte porphyrin (FEP) level of 114 μmol/mol heme (reference normal <70). After a short recovery the patient was discharged on succimer chelation therapy and on follow up, his lead level was <5 mcg/dL.     

Sonography of acute appendicitis in childhood: perforation versus nonperforation.

We evaluated the sonographic findings in 133 consecutive children referred for suspected appendicitis. Fifty-eight of these patients (44%) ultimately underwent surgery, with 54 of these proved to have acute appendicitis. Thirty-one (58%) of the 54 had nonperforated appendicitis, and 23 (43%) had evidence of perforation. Previously described sonographic findings that have been employed in the diagnosis of appendicitis were evaluated, with the presence or absence of these findings being compared in patients with non-perforated and perforated appendicitis. In those patients who did not undergo surgery, the following findings were documented and compared to the findings in patients with proved appendicitis: (1) an identifiable appendix and its sonographic characteristics, (2) fluid localized to the right peritoneal reflection or periappendiceal region, or both, (3) free pelvic fluid, and (4) right lower quadrant adenopathy. Our results suggest that high-resolution, real-time sonography, using graded compression, is very sensitive in the identification of acute nonperforated appendicitis. Perforated appendicitis, however, can be a more difficult diagnosis because the appendix frequently decompresses with perforation and yet may not "wall off" or form a well-defined abscess. As a result, the appendix can be very difficult to identify.     

CJD decontamination of surgical instruments

Following the CJD protocol and decontamination processes (Table 1) as recommended in the Health Canada CJD Guideline will serve to prevent transmission of CJD via surgical instruments, "Preparation of the work area" and "safe handling of strong chemicals used for decontamination" are other topics that must be addressed by staff in the OR and SPD. The appendix offers a quick reference that summarizes many of the important points which staff in the OR caring for patients, and staff in SPD caring for instruments, need to be aware of.     

Variation in the evaluation of testicular conditions across United States pediatric emergency departments

Objectives

To explore the variation in diagnostic testing and management for males diagnosed with three testicular conditions (testicular torsion, appendix testis torsion, epididymitis/orchitis) using a large pediatric health care database. Diagnostic testing is frequently used in evaluation of the acute scrotum; however, there is likely variability in the use of these tests in the emergency department setting.

Appendix vermiformis duplex – An unexpected surprise

Duplication of the vermiform appendix is extremely rare. It is found in only 1/25.000 patients (0.004%) operated on for acute appendicitis. A 60-year-old male patient was hospitalized for a peridiverticular sigmoid abscess without signs of a free abdominal perforation and an abscess cavity in the small pelvis. A Hartmann's resection and an appendectomy (the vermiform appendix was part of the abscess wall) were performed. The pathology report described an external appendicitis. After 3 months, the intestine was successfully reanastomosed. During mobilisation of the coecum, a second retrocoecal vermiform appendix was surprisingly found. Because of signs of a chronic appendicitis a second resection was performed. Although the diagnosis of an appendix duplex is a rarity, surgeons should be aware of the possibility, especially when clinical signs and symptoms point to appendicitis, although at laparotomy the appendix looks normal. A routine exploration for a second appendix is definitely not indicated because of the rarity and the increased complication rate.     

Hyperdense appendix on unenhanced CT: a sign of acute appendicitis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of the hyperdense appendix in acute appendicitis. The CT scans of 183 patients with pathologically proven acute appendicitis were reviewed to determine the prevalence of a hyperdense appendix, defined as a high-attenuated appendix when compared with the adjacent cecal wall on precontrast CT. A control group consisted of 100 patients with CT examinations performed in the emergency department were also randomly allocated to search for any hyperdense appendix in other disease conditions. The images were reviewed by two radiologists who reached a decision by consensus. A hyperdense appendix sign was found in 61 of 183 (33%) patients, including 92 men and 91 women ranging in age from 17 to 85 years (mean 37 years). On the other hand, the sign was seen in only two (2%) of the 88 patients in whom appendicitis was not diagnosed. The hyperdense appendix sign on unenhanced CT is seen in about 33% of patients with acute appendicitis. The false-positive rate is very low, rendering it a very useful sign for diagnosis of acute appendicitis.     

Elemental Mercury in the Appendix: An Unusual Complication of a Mexican-American Folk Remedy

Background: Ingestion of small amounts of elemental mercury is generally thought to be harmless. However, in 4 previously reported cases, ingested mercury became sequestered in the appendix, causing appendicitis in one. We present a case in which elemental mercury was administered as a Mexican-American folk remedy for abdominal pain and became sequestered in the appendix. Case Report: A 10-year-old Hispanic male presented with 3 days of right-sided abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and malaise. On admission, his temperature was 41.5°C and he had right abdominal tenderness. Urinalysis showed 3 WBCs, 9 RBCs, occasional bacteria, and 1 + protein. An abdominal CT scan suggested right focal pyelonephritis, but also showed multiple intraabdominal metallic densities. On further questioning, the family admitted giving him elemental mercury as a remedy for “empacho.” He was treated with intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam and gentamicin for a focal pyelonephritis. Because of mercury remaining in the gastrointestinal tract, activated charcoal and sorbitol were given. By hospital day 3, mercury filled the appendix as shown by abdominal radiograph. He was placed in the left lateral decubitus position overnight, and by the next morning, the mercury partially emptied from the appendix. By hospital day 8, his symptoms had resolved and mercury was no longer seen in the appendix. There were only minimal increases in urine mercury levels (18 mg/L). At 5-month follow-up, he has remained asymptomatic.     

Sonography for appendicitis: Nonvisualization of the appendix is an indication for active clinical observation rather than direct referral for computed tomography

PURPOSE.: To determine the prevalence of perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in patients with nonvisualization of the appendix on ultrasound (US) performed for suspected appendicitis, and to evaluate the value of CT in these patients. METHODS.: We analyzed 400 consecutive patients undergoing US for suspected appendicitis. Of these patients, 260 had nonvisualization of the appendix, but otherwise normal scans. We analyzed the clinical outcome in these patients to determine the prevalence of appendicitis, referrals for CT, and the contribution of CT in these patients. RESULTS.: Of the 400 patients, 140 (35%) had either a normal (80 patients, 25%) or an abnormal appendix (60 patients, 15%); 260 (65%) had nonvisualization of the appendix. Overall 75 patients had appendicitis (18.8%) and 17 (4.3%) had appendicitis with perforation. Of the 260 patients with nonvisualization of the appendix, 14 patients (5.4%) had appendicitis and 2 were perforated (0.8%). The prevalence of perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in this group was significantly lower than the overall group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Of these 260 patients, 101 patients (38.8%) had CT within 48 hours and 79 (78.2%) had normal scans. CONCLUSIONS.: Patients with nonvisualization of the appendix on US, but otherwise normal scans, are at significantly lower risk for appendicitis, either perforated or nonperforated. Active clinical observation should be considered in these patients, rather than direct referral for CT. ? 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:455-461,2012.     

Improved sonographic visualization of the appendix with a saline enema in children with suspected appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether abdominal sonography after a saline enema can identify the appendix that is not visualized at graded compression sonography in children with suspected appendicitis. METHODS: High-frequency compression sonography was prospectively performed in 120 consecutive children with suspected appendicitis; the appendix was not identified in 27 of these patients. Among the 27 patients with a nonvisualized appendix, abdominal sonography after a saline enema was performed in 12 to identify the appendix. RESULTS: Abdominal sonography after the saline enema revealed the appendix in all 12 children in whom the appendix was not visualized at graded compression sonography. A normal appendix was found in 11 children, and acute appendicitis confined to the appendiceal tip was found in 1. The appendix was located in the pelvis (n = 5), posterior to the cecum (n = 4), posterior to the ileum (n = 2), and anterior to the ileum (n = 1). The appendix could be identified by using a window of the saline-filled sigmoid colon (n = 5), saline-filled cecum (n = 4), and saline-filled terminal ileum (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal sonography after a saline enema is a helpful technique for depiction of the appendix that is not visible at graded compression sonography in children with suspected appendicitis. Key words: appendix, sonography; appendicitis; children, gastrointestinal tract.     

Scrotal palpation

Proper examination of the scrotum consists of inspection, palpation and, if indicated, transillumination. Inspection may reveal the hypoplastic appearance of an undescended testicle; enlargement caused by a testicular mass; the "bag of worms" signifying a varicocele; findings typical of torsion of the spermatic cord, or the "blue dot" sign, which indicates torsion of the appendix testis or appendix epididymis. During palpation, the testis must be differentiated from the epididymis.     

阑尾残端结扎荷包包埋与单纯结扎两种方式的比较

目的:本研究就只是对阑尾残端结扎加荷包包埋,与阑尾残端单纯结扎不行荷包包埋这两种术式进行临床对比。方法:2004年12月至2005年11月底本治疗组收治本29例阑尾炎患者。年龄特征10岁到69岁,其中男性15例,女性14例。29例病人按时间顺序随机编入残端单纯结扎组12例(组1)和残端结扎加荷包包埋组17例(组2)。对病人手术前后的白细胞计数,体温恢复正常的时间(天),肛门排气时间(天),手术时间(分),住院时间(天),手术后的并发症等进行对比。结果:两组共29例病人未发生与手术相关的并发症。两组病例在性别构成比,年龄,术前后白细胞数,住院天数,体温恢复正常时间没有差别(P>0.05)。而在肛门排气时间,手术时间上有差别(P<0.05),组1阑尾残端单纯结扎不行荷包包埋明显优于组2阑尾残端结扎加荷包包埋。结论:残端单纯结扎与结扎后用荷包缝合埋入相比操作简单,手术时间缩短(P<0.05),还可避免行荷包缝合包埋时所带来的问题。     

Torsed appendix testis: gray scale and color Doppler sonographic findings compared with normal appendix testis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the size, shape, echogenicity, and blood flow of the appendix testis on sonography in control subjects and in patients with a torsed appendix testis and to evaluate the usefulness as well as the limitations of these criteria. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 11 lesions with torsed appendix testes and 15 normal appendix testes in 12 children. The following gray scale and color Doppler sonographic features were analyzed: size, shape, echogenicity, and blood flow of the appendix testis. RESULTS: The size of the appendix testis was larger in patients with a torsed appendix testis than in the control subjects (P < .05). A spherical shape of the appendix testis was more common in patients with a torsed appendix testis (P < .05). There was no blood flow within both the torsed and normal appendix testes. However, the frequency of increased periappendiceal blood flow was higher in patients with a torsed appendix testis (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the echogenicity between the torsed and normal appendix testes. CONCLUSIONS: Gray scale and color Doppler sonography may be helpful in the diagnosis of torsion of the appendix testis. A size of 5 mm or larger, spherical shape, and increased periappendiceal blood flow are indicative of a torsed appendix testis.     

消化道类癌治疗的临床研究——附56例报告

本文分析34年来收治的消化道类癌56例(直肠36例、胃14例、阑尾3例、食管2例、十二指肠1例),探讨其临床生物特性,比较不同部位类癌、肿瘤大小及转移情况。结果表明:(1)胃类癌的发病年龄高于直肠和阑尾;(2)直肠和阑尾类癌常<20cm,而胃、食管类癌常>2cm;(3)直肠类癌局限在粘膜下层,而胃、阑尾类癌易浸润至浆膜层;(4)胃类癌的淋巴转移高于直肠和阑尾;(5)不同部位消化道类癌的生物学行为不同;(6)肿瘤的转移与肿瘤的大小、部位、表面情况、浸润程度有关。     

内镜下不同阑尾内口分型之间小肠细菌过度生长情况的比较

目的探讨内镜下不同形态阑尾内口的小肠细菌过度生长(SIBO)情况。方法从门诊健康体检人群中筛选出153例,进行葡萄糖氢呼气试验检查,记录SIBO情况,并进行结肠镜检查,记录阑尾内口形态,依据结肠镜下阑尾内口形态分为漏斗型、膜样型和裂隙型3组,将3组人群的SIBO情况进行对比分析。结果①体检人群中阑尾内口形态比例:漏斗型63.4%(97/153)膜样型22.2%(34/153)裂隙型14.4%(22/153);②漏斗型组人群SIBO阳性率明显高于膜样型组和裂隙型组,差异有统计学意义(P 0.01);③膜样型组人群SIBO阳性率明显高于裂隙型组,两者比较差异有统计学意义(P 0.01)。结论内镜下阑尾内口形态比例漏斗型远高于膜样型和裂隙型,临床上应高度重视阑尾内口漏斗型人群有易并发SIBO的可能。