BACKGROUND: Multiple nonrandomized studies demonstrate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) scan in diagnosing appendicitis. This study compared CT scan with standard management in diagnosing appendicitis. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study of patients who received general surgery consultation for appendicitis. Patients were randomized to receive CT scan or standard management. RESULTS: There were 65 patients in the CT scan group and 63 patients in the standard management group. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT scan were 94%, 100%, and 96%, respectively. CT scan positively altered the management in 26% and made alternative diagnoses in 14%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the standard management group were 100%, 79%, and 89%, respectively. The standard management group had a negative appendectomy rate of 19%. CONCLUSION:CT scan with rectal contrast is an effective method for diagnosing appendicitis and should be performed in all patients suspected of having appendicitis.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Multiple nonrandomized studies demonstrate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) scan in diagnosing appendicitis. This study compared CT scan with standard management in diagnosing appendicitis. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study of patients who received general surgery consultation for appendicitis. Patients were randomized to receive CT scan or standard management. RESULTS: There were 65 patients in the CT scan group and 63 patients in the standard management group. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT scan were 94%, 100%, and 96%, respectively. CT scan positively altered the management in 26% and made alternative diagnoses in 14%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the standard management group were 100%, 79%, and 89%, respectively. The standard management group had a negative appendectomy rate of 19%. CONCLUSION: CT scan with rectal contrast is an effective method for diagnosing appendicitis and should be performed in all patients suspected of having appendicitis.
Authors: Benjamin D Godwin; Frederick T Drake; Vlad V Simianu; Jabi E Shriki; Daniel S Hippe; Manjiri Dighe; Sarah Bastawrous; Carlos Cuevas; David Flum; Puneet Bhargava Journal: AJR Am J Roentgenol Date: 2015-06 Impact factor: 3.959
Authors: Frederick Thurston Drake; Michael G Florence; Morris G Johnson; Gregory J Jurkovich; Steve Kwon; Zeila Schmidt; Richard C Thirlby; David R Flum Journal: Ann Surg Date: 2012-10 Impact factor: 12.969
Authors: Alexandra Platon; Helmi Jlassi; Olivier T Rutschmann; Christoph D Becker; Francis R Verdun; Pascal Gervaz; Pierre-Alexandre Poletti Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2008-09-17 Impact factor: 5.315