Diagnosis of acute appendicitis in low Alvarado score

Authors

Ahmed F. Elnakoury, Menoufia UniversityFollow
Ayman A. Omar, Menoufia University
Samir M. Kohla, Menoufia University
Tamer A. Sultan, Menoufia University

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of appendicitis in low Alvarado score. Background Diagnosis of acute appendicitis is sometimes difficult. Equivocal cases usually require in-patient observation and multiple laboratory and imaging investigations. The combination of the clinical scoring system and advanced imaging has been deeply influential in clinical practice. Patients and methods Thirty patients with low Alvarado score below 8 and above 3 were included. US was performed for all patients and CT was performed for patients who had a negative result on US. All specimens of appendectomies were sent for histopathological examination and then their results were compared with the results of US and CT. Results The results of this study showed that US had a sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 94.7%, and accuracy of 86.7%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT were 100%. Negative appendectomy rate was 15.38%. Conclusion The patients with an intermediate Alvarado score (4–7) are the typical group for whom operative decision is difficult. Imaging studies (either US or CT) are useful adjunct to physical and laboratory findings in these patients by decreasing hospital stay and negative appendectomy rate.

Recommended Citation

Elnakoury, Ahmed F.; Omar, Ayman A.; Kohla, Samir M.; and Sultan, Tamer A. (2017) "Diagnosis of acute appendicitis in low Alvarado score," Menoufia Medical Journal: Vol. 30: Iss. 2, Article 11.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1110-2098.215441