CT scan for suspected acute appendicitis

Abstract

Appendicitis is common with a 7% lifetime risk for an individual in the United States. Mean age at diagnosis is 22 years old. While frequently clinically obvious, by 2006, more than 90% of patients diagnosed with appendicitis had a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis performed. Use of CT scans has allowed a decrease in false-negative rate at appendectomy to under 10% from a rate of approximately 20% before routine use of CT scan. In addition, the rate of perforation has decreased from nearly 30% to under 15%. In the pediatric population, initial ultrasound is often recommended, with CT utilized if the sonogram is inconclusive (Fig. 3).

(Published: 26 January 2011)

Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2011, 1: 10926 - DOI: 10.3402/jchimp.v1i4.10926