A new helical computed tomographic technique for appendiceal imaging: Preliminary experience with the focused appendix computed tomographic examination

Abstract

Our objective was to describe a new, helical computed tomographic (CT) technique for evaluating appendicitis, the focused appendix CT (FACT), and report preliminary experience with its use.

Thirty-five consecutive patients were selected on the basis of clinical suspicion for appendicitis. Patients received oral and colon contrast media but not intravenous contrast medium before CT scanning. A thinsection, contiguous helical scan limited to the lower abdomen and upper pelvis was performed. Each scan was interpreted as positive or negative for appendicitis, and any alternative pathology was noted, if present.

Seventeen patients had a final diagnosis of appendicitis at surgery and pathology, and 18 patients had appendicitis excluded at clinical follow-up for at least 3 months (17 patients) or at surgeryand pathology (1 patient). FACT interpretations were correct in all cases. Alternative pathology was noted in 13 of the 18 cases (72%) interpreted as negative for appendicitis.