The diagnosis of acute appendicitis: clinical assessment versus computed tomography evaluation

Abstract

The goal of this study was to validate Alvarado's predictive model as a diagnostic test and to assess the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) scan as a supplemental tool in the evaluation of acute appendicitis. Clinical and radiologic data of 215 patients with acute abdominal pain were evaluated. Clinical assessment was based on positive findings of migration of pain, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, tenderness of the lower right quadrant, rebound tenderness, fever, and leukocytosis with a left shift. Evaluation by CT scan had a sensitivity of 90.1% and a specificity of 94.1%. Clinical assessment based on the MANTRELS criteria had a sensitivity of 91.6% and a specificity of 84.7%. With the assistance of CT scan, sensitivity and specificity increased to 98.3% and 95.8%, respectively.