Multidetector row helical CT and US in diagnosing appendicitis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the performance of multi-detector row helical computed tomography (MDCT) with oral and intravenous contrast material and ultrasound in depiction of appendicitis. Patients and methods Sixty three patients (35 female and 28 male patients) aged 16–81 years (mean, 38 years) who presented with right lower quadrant pain and 2 with upper quadrant pain who were suspected of having acute appendicitis underwent both US and enhanced multi-detector row CT of the entire abdomen and pelvis. The examinations were performed within 1–2 h of each other. Data from both the US and CT were compared, and the definite diagnosis was established with surgical findings and results of clinical follow-up as the reference standard. Comparisons were made for the patient's age and sex. Results Thirty seven (out of 63) patients had definite appendicitis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were superior for MDCT over that of US. The frequency of inconclusive examinations was significantly higher with US than with CT, regardless of radiologist experience. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the diagnostic value of MDCT is relatively higher than that of US in the detection of acute appendicitis regardless of patient sex and age.