Title of article :
Alvarado Score, Ultrasound, and CRP: How to Combine Them for the Most
Accurate Acute Appendicitis Diagnosis
Author/Authors :
Aydin Sonay نويسنده Department of Radiology, Ankara Training and Research
Hospital, Ankara, Turkey , Fatihoglu Erdem نويسنده Department of Radiology, Ankara Training and Research
Hospital, Ankara, Turkey , Ramadan Hayri نويسنده Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara Training and
Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey , S. Akhan Bilge نويسنده Department of Radiology, Ankara Training and Research
Hospital, Ankara, Turkey , Koseoglu Enver N نويسنده Department of Radiology, Ankara Training and Research
Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
Abstract :
Background The aim of the current study was to investigate whether
the usage of three diagnostic methods of acute appendicitis which are
Alvarado score, C- reactive protein (CRP) levels and ultrasound (US) in
combination improves diagnostic accuracy significantly. Patients and
Methods Data were analyzed in 254 patients with suspected appendicitis
who had a sonographic examination and a CRP value. The patients were
classified into four groups according to both Alvarado score and US
findings. US results, Alvarado score, and CRP levels were compared.
Results The most specific test among three diagnostic methods was
sonography. Combination of an Alvarado score higher or equal to 5, a
high CRP level (≥ 0.8) and a sonographic examination as appendicitis
with visualization of an inflamed or perforated appendix was more
specific than US alone. An Alvarado score higher or equal to 5 (86.2%)
was found to be the most sensitive criteria. Conclusions Using Alvarado
score, US and CRP levels in combination provides us to confirm or rule
out acute appendicitis safely.
