[Ancillary diagnostic imaging is undesirable if there is evidence of appendicitis].
CT and ultrasound have been advocated to improve the diagnostic accuracy and management of appendicitis. However, these were single-centre studies, performed by specialised radiologists and with a low level of evidence. Most of the literature shows no increase in diagnostic accuracy or decrease of negative appendectomies if radiographic imaging techniques are applied. However these techniques do lead to disadvantages such as radiation load and unnecessary prolongation of the diagnostic phase. Therefore, CT or ultrasound are of no use in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis.
van Herwaarden-Lindeboom
M Y A
MY
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, afd. Heelkunde, Postbus 85-500, 3508 GA Utrecht.
Rinkes
I H M Borel
IH
Gooszen
H G
HG
D000208:Acute Disease; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography