Abstract
Article: The Diagnostic Accuracy of Sonography, With Graded Compression to Image Acute Appendicitis Compared to Histopathologic Results
Authors: Tawfiq J. M. Al-Marzooq, Qays A. Hassan, Ghassan H. Majeed, Ahmed N. Manea, and Ali H. Abboud
Category: Abdomen [AB]
Credit: 0.5 SDMS CME Credit
Objectives: After studying the article entitled “The Diagnostic Accuracy of Sonography, With Graded Compression to Image Acute Appendicitis Compared to Histopathologic Results,” you will be able to:
Understand sonography’s role in identifying an acutely inflamed appendix
Describe the sonographic characteristics of acute appendicitis
Explain the clinical efficacy of sonography in diagnosing acute appendicitis
What may happen to a patient because of an incorrect diagnosis of acute appendicitis? Multiple exploratory laparoscopic procedures Delayed treatment for peritonitis Additional laboratory testing Unneeded appendectomy
What diameter measurement of the appendix indicates acute inflammation? >4 mm >6 mm >8 mm >10 mm
Why isn’t sonography used more often in diagnosing suspected cases of acute appendicitis? It is too expensive and time-consuming Lack of confidence in the sonographic findings Variability in sonographer’s scanning skills Reluctance to image a patient experiencing pain in the right iliac fossa
The sonographic findings in acute appendicitis include an enlarged appendix, incompressibility, lack of peristalsis, and Echogenic periappendiceal fat Dilated loops of small bowel near the cecum Hyperemia in the walls of the colon Thickening of the lower posterior abdominal wall
What conclusion did the authors reach concerning the usefulness of sonography in diagnosing acute appendicitis? It is a useful adjunct to other imaging modalities The results are equivocal and need further analysis Sonography may be used when other imaging approaches are contraindicated Sonography should be the primary imaging modality
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