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Ultrasound study of acute appendicitis in children with emphasis upon the diagnosis of retrocecal appendicitis

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Abstract

Acute appendicitis in children frequently presents equivocal clinical manifestations. Delay of the proper diagnosis and unnecessary laparotomies are common. Abdominal ultrasound has proved to be useful in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adults. We have performed a preoperative ultrasound study in 368 children with acute appendicitis. Among them, 92 had a retrocecal appendicitis. Ultrasound established the correct diagnosis in 92.6% of patients, and in 94.5% of those with a retrocecal appendicitis. At our institution an abdominal sonography is performed on any child with a doubtful clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis, helping the surgeon to take the decision to perform a laparotomy.

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Author notes

  1. L. Ceres

    Present address: Department of Pediatric Radiology, Hospital Materno Infantil, Arroyo de los Angeles, E-29011, Málaga, Spain

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Radiology, Hospital Materno Infantil, Arroyo de los Angeles, E-29011, Málaga, Spain

    I. Alonso, P. López & G. Parra

  2. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Materno Infantil, Arroyo de los Angeles, E-29011, Málaga, Spain

    J. Echeverry

Authors
  1. L. Ceres
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  2. I. Alonso
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  3. P. López
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  4. G. Parra
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  5. J. Echeverry
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Ceres, L., Alonso, I., López, P. et al. Ultrasound study of acute appendicitis in children with emphasis upon the diagnosis of retrocecal appendicitis. Pediatr Radiol 20, 258–261 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02019661

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