Radiologic evaluation of acute appendicitis in the busy community hospital

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of limited computed tomography (CT) in the hands of the average radiologist in a busy community hospital assessing a patient for acute appendicitis. Materials and methods: Ninety-six consecutive patients were examined with CT and the results, independently reported, were correlated with histopathologic findings and clinical follow-up. Results: Forty-three patients had acute appendicitis, 53 patients did not; sensitivity was 89 %, specificity 91 %, accuracy 90 %, positive predictive value 91 %, and negative predictive value 90 %. Nonvisualization of the appendix did not necessarily preclude an accurate assessment for acute appendicitis. Conclusion: Limited CT of the pelvis using rectal contrast only is a useful radiographic test for evaluating acute appendicitis, with practical application for the average radiologist in a busy community hospital.