Appendiceal US scans: histologic correlation.
High-resolution in vitro ultrasonography (US) of 20 surgical appendiceal specimens was performed to compare appearances of appendiceal tissue at US with corresponding histologic features. With an articulated-arm system and micropositioner, precise spatial correlation was achieved. As elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, five distinct echo layers were observed. Normal and inflamed specimens demonstrated these layers, but the architecture became disorganized and indistinct in cases of appendicitis. Three measurements were made for each specimen: (a) overall cross-sectional diameter, including the lumen, (b) thickness of the submucosal echo layer, and (c) the combined thickness of both walls, excluding the lumen. For the inflamed specimens, a substantial increase in the thickness of the summed wall measurements was found. Wall US appearance alone may be misleading in differentiation of normal and abnormal appendices.
Spear
R
R
Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle 98195.
Kimmey
M B
MB
Wang
K Y
KY
Sillery
J K
JK
Benjamin
D R
DR
Sawin
R S
RS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001065:Appendix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography