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

Study aim: The aim of this prospective descriptive study was to evaluate th e accuracy of abdomino-pelvic ultrasonography in suspected acute appendicit is 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 surgeo n for suspected acute appendicitis, had an abdominal ultrasonography (US) e xamination with high frequency transducer (7,5 to 9 MHz). The US examinatio n concerned appendice, periappendicular tissues and neighbouring organs. Th e US data were correlated with the histopathologic findings in operated on patients, and with the clinical and biological follow up in non operated pa tients. Results: Fourty-seven patients had acute appendicitis; 53 were operated on and 47 non operated. Analysis of US data revealed sensitivity 91,5%, specif icity 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 appendi citis is recommended in adults. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicale s Elsevier SAS.