Abdominal ultrasonography in suspected acute appendicitis:: prospective evaluation in 100 adult patients.

Study aim: The aim of this prospective descriptive study was to evaluate the accuracy of abdomino-pelvic ultrasonography in suspected acute appendicitis in adults. Patients and methods: From March to July 1998, 100 consecutive patients, 63 women, 37 men (mean age: 25 years), after examination by a visceral surgeon for suspected acute appendicitis, had an abdominal ultrasonography (US) examination with high frequency transducer (7,5 to 9 MHz). The US examination concerned appendice, periappendicular tissues and neighbouring organs. The US data were correlated with the histopathologic findings in operated on patients, and with the clinical and biological follow up in non operated patients. Results: Fourty-seven patients had acute appendicitis; 53 were operated on and 47 non operated. Analysis of US data revealed sensitivity 91,5%, specificity 94,3%, positive predictive value 93,5%, negative predictive value 94,3%, accuracy 93%; 75% of the other diagnosis were found by US. Conclusion: Systematic abdominal ultrasonography in suspected acute appendicitis is recommended in adults. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.