Clinical course in children with equivocal appendicitis on computed tomography: a retrospective cohort study
10.4174/astr.2023.104.1.51
- Author:
Hee-Beom YANG
1
;
Han-Byol SONG
;
Ji-Won HAN
;
Joong Kee YOUN
;
Dayoung KO
;
Young Jin RYU
;
Ji Young KIM
;
Hyun-Young KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research
2023;104(1):51-59
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Appendectomy is one of the most common surgeries in children. Although various radiological examinations are performed, they do not always reveal a definitive diagnosis of appendicitis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical course of equivocal appendicitis, identify the factors associated with appendectomy, and suggest appropriate management for these patients.
Methods:Patients younger than 19 years who visited Seoul National University Bundang Hospital with a differential diagnosis of appendicitis from January 2013 to December 2017 were included. All participants conducted ‘appendiceal CT’ with a scoring scale of 1–5. The higher the score, the higher the likelihood of a radiologic diagnosis of appendicitis. We defined the appendicitis CT score of 2–4 as equivocal appendicitis (n = 143). Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for demographics, further examination as abdominal ultrasonography, and appendectomy status (yes or no). The mean follow-up period was 15.6 ± 71 days.
Results:Equivocal appendicitis accounted for 16.7%. Additional ultrasonography test was performed in 24.5% (35 of 143). In total, 34 patients (23.8%) underwent appendectomy. Among the patients with appendiceal CT scores 2, 3, and 4, 4.9%, 50.0%, and 87.5% underwent appendectomy, respectively. Higher WBC count, higher appendicitis CT score, and readmission were significantly associated with appendectomy in patients with equivocal appendicitis.
Conclusion:Higher appendicitis CT score and WBC level were positively associated with appendectomy. Careful observation can be a treatment option in appendicitis CT score 2 or 3 groups. Appendectomy is the first-line treatment for patients with appendicitis score 4. Additional ultrasonography test is advisable to determine treatment modality for equivocal appendicitis.
