Accuracy of Ultrasound Exam Performed by EM vs. Radiology Residents in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
accuracy-of-ultrasound-exam-performed-by-em-vs-radiology-residents-in-the-diagnosis-of-acute-appendicitis

Although the traditional approach to the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) is using clinical methods, experience has shown that strict reliance on clinical data can lead to mismanagement or unnecessary surgery. US has a high diagnostic specificity in patients suspected of having AA and EM residents can perform this modality as accurately as radiologists after training in the emergency setting. There were 67 men and 54 women, with a mean age of 33.6±16.1 years (18.2-88.7 years). Fifty-four (44.6%) patients underwent surgery with the initial diagnosis of AA and the rest were evaluated by follow-ups. On the basis of our gold standards, the diagnosis was finally confirmed in 46 (38%) cases.

Read More