Focused abdominal CT scan for acute appendicitis in children: Can it help in need?

Objective: To evaluate the focused abdominal CT scan [FACT] in clinically equivocal cases of acute appendicitis in paediatric population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Radiology Department of Aga Khan Hospital, from August 2007 to November 2008.A total of 84 patients (42 males 42 females) with clinically equivocal signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis referred to radiology department for CT evaluation were studied. CT findings were compared with histopathology and clinical follow-up.Results: The sensitivity of focused CT for acute appendicitis was 91%; specificity was 69% and accuracy of 76% while PPV and NPV were 58%, 94% respectively.Conclusion: Focused unenhanced CT is a quick, accurate and non invasive modality for the assessment of clinically equivocal cases of acute appendicitis for ruling out patients and reducing negative appendectomies.