title: High-resolution real-time ultrasonography. A new tool in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
abstract: A prospective study was performed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonographic evaluation in 44 patients with suspected appendicitis. We found ultrasonographic evaluation to have a sensitivity rate of 89 percent, a specificity rate of 86 percent, and an overall accuracy rate of 87 percent. These results are very similar to those in other recently reported studies. We also identified certain patients in whom nondiagnostic studies are likely. Our results suggest that ultrasonographic evaluation may be of particular use in selected patients who do not demonstrate the classical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fine
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Brooks
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography