Abstract
Abdominal ultrasonography (US) was performed in 559 pediatric patients (age : range 1-16 years, median 9 years old) suspected to have appendicitis. Of these, 340 cases were finally diagnosed to have appendicitis, and appendectomy was undertaken in 293 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of abdominal US for the diagnosis of appendicitis at our center were 94% and 98%, respectively. Twenty cases diagnosed as having severe enterocolitis at the first US exploration were finally diagnosed to have appendicitis by repeat US, which could reduce the number of false-negative cases. Unnecessary appendectomy was undertaken in 4 patients with false-positive results (1.3%). Moreover, the severity of inflammation in the appendix, as judged based on the US findings, was confirmed by histological examination of the excised specimens in more than 80% of patients with phlegmonous and gangrenous appendicitis. US helps not only in the correct diagnosis of appendicitis, but also in understanding the severity of the inflammation, thereby helping in the selection of the appropriate management policy.
