Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Stacher, R; Portugaller, H; Preidler, KW; Ruppert-Kohlmayr, AJ; Anegg, U; Rabl, H; Spuller, E; Szolar, DH.
Acute appendicitis in non-contrast spiral CT: a diagnostic luxury or benefit?
Rofo. 1999; 171(1):26-31
Doi: 10.1055/s-1999-9897
Web of Science
PubMed
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FullText_MUG
- Co-authors Med Uni Graz
- Anegg Udo
- Portugaller Rupert
- Spuller Ekkehard
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- Abstract:
- PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of thin collimated unenhanced spiral-CT in patients with clinically suspected acute appendicitis and to determine the impact on patient management and overall costs. METHOD: Unenhanced focussed appendiceal spiral-CT was performed in 56 patients (23 women and 33 men) with clinically suspected acute appendicitis. Scans were obtained from the L4 level to the symphysis pubis using 5 mm collimation, 7.5 mm table feed (pitch 1.5) and 4 mm increment without i.v., oral, or rectal contrast material. Prospective diagnoses based on CT findings were compared with surgical (and histopathological) results and clinical follow-up. The effect of spiral-CT on patient management and clinical resources was assessed. RESULTS: 29 patients (10 women and 19 men) underwent appendectomy. Unenhanced spiral-CT was an accurate imaging technique for the initial examination of patients with suspected acute appendicitis with a sensitivity of 95.4% and a specificity 100%, an accuracy of 98.2%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 97.1%. In 27 patients with no evidence of acute appendicitis, an alternative diagnosis could be made in 24 patients by unenhanced spiral-CT. CONCLUSION: Unenhanced spiral-CT is an accurate test to diagnose or to exclude acute appendicitis. Routine appendiceal spiral-CT can improve medical care and reduce the overall costs for patients suspected of having acute appendicitis.
- Find related publications in this database (using NLM MeSH Indexing)
- Acute Disease -
- Adult -
- Appendicitis - radiography
- Appendix - radiography
- Contrast Media - radiography
- Costs and Cost Analysis - radiography
- Female - radiography
- Humans - radiography
- Male - radiography
- Middle Aged - radiography
- Sensitivity and Specificity - radiography
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed - economics
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- Appendix
- Appendicitis
- Spiral-Computed Tomography
- Techniques