The Role of Ultrasonography in the Patients with Suspected Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography in the cases of suspected acute appendicitis.

Materials and Methods: Sixty-four patients with clinically suspected acute appendicitis in Makarak hospital, Karnchanaburi from June 2006 to July 2008 were retrospectively reviewed for ultrasonographic diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were noted.

Results: Nine patients were diagnosed as acute appendicitis but 1 case was false positive. Fifty-five patients were assessed as non appendicitis group but 3 cases were false negative. The specificity and sensitivity were 98% and 73%. The PPV, NPV and accuracy rate were 89%, 95% and 94% respectively

Conclusions: Ultrasonography may help in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and exclude other diseases and decrease unnecessary operation.