title: Unenhanced computed tomography for normal appendix detection: comparison of low-dose with statistical iterative reconstruction and regular-dose with filtered back projection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the differences in visualization of a normal appendix between regular-dose (RD) and low-dose (LD) unenhanced CT.
  
  
  METHODS
  179 patients underwent both RDCT and LDCT for urolithiasis. Two reviewers evaluated the appendiceal visualization on a three-point scale. Sensitivities and interobserver agreement were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between RDCT and LDCT in sensitivity, regardless of the reviewer. Interobserver agreement was excellent in both RDCT and LDCT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Unenhanced LDCT is a good tool for detecting a normal appendix and is also useful for less experienced interpreters who are unfamiliar with using LDCT images.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06973, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hwi Ryong
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06973, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: pksungbin@paran.com.
authors.forename: Sung Bin
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06973, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Sun
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06973, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Jeong
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06973, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Beum
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06973, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Yang Soo
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001065:Appendix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012016:Reference Values; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D052878:Urolithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Appendicitis; Appendix; Iterative reconstruction; Low-dose computed tomography; Radiation exposure