title: A simple algorithm reduces computed tomography use in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis in children was created to reduce computed tomography (CT) use owing to the risk of cancer from radiation exposure and cost of CT. This study evaluates the impact of the algorithm on CT use and diagnostic accuracy of appendicitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients ≤18 years who underwent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis after presenting to the emergency department for 2 years before and 3 years after algorithm implementation were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes, including use of CT and negative appendectomy rate, were compared between the pre- and post-implementation periods. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the impact of CT on negative appendectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 331 patients-41% in the pre- and 59% in the post-implementation period. CT utilization decreased from 39% to 18% (P < .001) after implementation. The negative appendectomy rate increased from 9% to 11% (P = .59). Use of CT did not impact the risk of negative appendectomy (P = .64).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Utilization of CT was significantly reduced after implementation of a diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis without impacting diagnostic accuracy. Given the concern for increased risk of cancer after CT, these results support use of an algorithm in children with suspected appendicitis.
authors: Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
authors: Stephanie F
authors: SF
authors: Polites
authors: Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
authors: Mohamed I
authors: MI
authors: Mohamed
authors: Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
authors: Elizabeth B
authors: EB
authors: Habermann
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
authors: James L
authors: JL
authors: Homme
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
authors: Jana L
authors: JL
authors: Anderson
authors: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
authors: Christopher R
authors: CR
authors: Moir
authors: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
authors: Michael B
authors: MB
authors: Ishitani
authors: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Electronic address: zarroug.abdalla@mayo.edu.
authors: Abdalla E
authors: AE
authors: Zarroug
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000465:Algorithms; D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*