title: CT demonstration of the appendix in asymptomatic adults.
abstract: We prospectively examined 103 consecutive adults (67 women, 36 men; mean age: 58.7 years) referred for abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) in whom there was no history of right lower quadrant symptoms or appendectomy. Contiguous 5-mm CT images through the pericecal region were obtained in each subject, once routine scanning was completed. Three radiologists reviewed all CT images and reached a consensus on appendiceal visualization and the quantity of intraperitoneal fat. Statistical methods were applied to the collected data to seek significant associations between a visualized appendix and the following factors: patient age, sex, intraperitoneal fat grade, and the presence of oral contrast in the cecal lumen. The appendix was definitely visualized in only 45 of the 103 patients (43.7%). Analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant correlation between a CT-demonstrated appendix and the four variables examined. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, DePaul Medical Center, Norfolk, Virginia 23505.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Scatarige
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: DiSantis
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001065:Appendix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed