Diagnostic accuracy of laboratory and ultrasound findings in patients with a non-visualized appendix

Ultrasound (US) and laboratory testing are initial diagnostic tests for acute appendicitis. A diagnostic dilemma develops when the appendix is not visualized on US. Objective: To determine if specific US findings and/or laboratory results predict acute appendicitis when the appendix is not visualized. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on children (birth-18  yrs) presenting to the pediatric emergency department with suspected acute appendicitis who underwent right lower quadrant US.Children with previous appendectomy, US at another facility, or eloped were excluded.
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research