Diagnostic power of various computed tomography signs in diagnosing acute appendicitis.
OBJECTIVE
To review the diagnostic power of various computed tomography (CT) signs in acute appendicitis, in particular those initially classified as inconclusive.


METHODS
Retrospective review of 100 CT abdomen and pelvis studies with assessment of maximal luminal diameter, wall thickness and cross-sectional diameter of the appendix, periappendiceal inflammatory changes, and presence of appendicolith.


RESULTS
All CT signs show statistically significant occurrences in acute appendicitis. Their respective cut-off values with best sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Those from the inconclusive cases were also reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Maximal cross-sectional diameter of the appendix is the most powerful parameter. Rest of the CT signs is supportive, especially in cases with inconclusive results.
Department of Radiology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, PR China. vincentlai@hkcr.org
Vincent
V
Lai
Wan Chi
WC
Chan
Hin Yue
HY
Lau
Tsz Wai
TW
Yeung
Yiu Chung
YC
Wong
Ming Keung
MK
Yuen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult