Ancillary diagnostic imaging is undesirable if there is evidence of appendicitis
Van Herwaarden-Lindeboom, M.Y.A.; Rinkes, I.H.M.B.; Gooszen, H.G.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 151(11): 643
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 17441569 Document Number: 611049
CT and ultrasound have been advocated to improve the diagnostic accuracy and management of appendicitis. However, these were single-centre studies, performed by specialised radiologists and with a low level of evidence. Most of the literature shows no increase in diagnostic accuracy or decrease of negative appendectomies if radiographic imaging techniques are applied. However these techniques do lead to disadvantages such as radiation load and unnecessary prolongation of the diagnostic phase. Therefore, CT or ultrasound are of no use in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis.