J Korean Radiol Soc.
1987 Aug;23(4):608-613. 10.3348/jkrs.1987.23.4.608.
Diagnosis of acute appendicitis using ultrasonography
- KMID: 2359429
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1987.23.4.608
Abstract
- It is well known that acute appendicitis is the most common cause of emergency operation of the abdomen. The mortality rate of acut appendicitis has considerable declined during the past decades, but the diagnostic accuracyis still 70 to 82%, and moreover 54 to 65% in the young women. Various radiologic examinations have been proposedto improve diagnostic accuracy. Scout films of the abdomen and barium examinations have all proved to be of some value but are not generally empolyed. The purpose of this study was to improve the diagnostic accuracy and to makeearly diagnosis of acute appendicitis using ultrasonography. High resolution real time ultrasonography was performed in 39 patients with clinically suspected acute appendicitis at the department of Radiology, St, Mary'sHospital, Catholic University Medical college from May to July 1987. Ultrasonographic findings, operative findings and results of clinical follow-up of acute appendicits were analyzed and correlated. The results were as follows:1. Ultrasonographic finding of acute appendicitis was visualization of appendix with thickened wall and distended lumen. In the acute appendicitis the thickness of wall was 4.5±2.02mm(2 to 10mm) and even in 84.6%. The diameterof distended lumen was 6.58±2.33mm (3 to 10mm). 2. Anechoic area over the appendix was thought to be a sign of periappendiceal abscess. 3. Although no echolucency was demonstrated around the appendix, perforation of appendix should be suspected when thickening of the appendiceal wall was asymmetrical and eccentric without luminal distension. 4. Ultrasonography had an 88.9% sensitivity, and 89.5% specificity and an 89.2% accuracy. 5. Ultrasonography is felt to be very accurate and effective method in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
