scholarly journals DIALAPP: a prospective validation of a new diagnostic algorithm for acute appendicitis

Author(s):  
Patrizia Malkomes ◽  
Franziska Edmaier ◽  
Juliane Liese ◽  
Alexander Reinisch-Liese ◽  
Hanan El Youzouri ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The management of patients with suspected appendicitis remains a challenge in daily clinical practice, and the optimal management algorithm is still being debated. Negative appendectomy rates (NAR) continue to range between 10 and 15%. This prospective study evaluated the accuracy of a diagnostic pathway in acute appendicitis using clinical risk stratification (Alvarado score), routine ultrasonography, gynecology consult for females, and selected CT after clinical reassessment. Methods Patients presenting with suspected appendicitis between November 2015 and September 2017 from age 18 years and above were included. Decision-making followed a clear management pathway. Patients were followed up for 6 months after discharge. The hypothesis was that the algorithm can reduce the NAR to a value of under 10%. Results A total of 183 patients were included. In 65 of 69 appendectomies, acute appendicitis was confirmed by histopathology, corresponding to a NAR of 5.8%. Notably, all 4 NAR appendectomies had other pathologies of the appendix. The perforation rate was 24.6%. Only 36 patients (19.7%) received a CT scan. The follow-up rate after 30 days achieved 69%, including no patients with missed appendicitis. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic pathway was 100% and 96.6%, respectively. The potential saving in costs can be as much as 19.8 million €/100,000 cases presenting with the suspicion of appendicitis. Conclusion The risk-stratified diagnostic algorithm yields a high diagnostic accuracy for patients with suspicion of appendicitis. Its implementation can safely reduce the NAR, simultaneously minimizing the use of CT scans and optimizing healthcare-related costs in the treatment of acute appendicitis. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02627781 (December 2015)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-114
Author(s):  
Masawa Klint Nyamuryekung’E ◽  
Ali Athar ◽  
Miten Ramesh Patel ◽  
Aidan Njau ◽  
Omar Sherman ◽  
...  

Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) has a lifetime risk of 8.3% with a consequent 23% lifetime risk of emergency appendectomy. In atypical presentation, making a clinical diagnosis is difficult, leading to a high perforation rate (PR) or misdiagnoses and high negativeappendectomy rates (NAR). This study aimed to establish NAR and explore the associated factors and possible attainable solutions to reduce it in urban referral hospitals in Tanzania. Methods: This was a crosssectional study with 91 consecutive patients, aged 10 years and older undergoing appendectomy for  suspected AA with histological evaluation of specimens. The study was powered to detect the NAR at 95% confidence level and 80% power. Results: The histological NAR was 38.5% and the perforation rate was 25.3%. The Alvarado score (AS) was rarely applied (6%), despite ademonstrated ability in this study to decrease the NAR by half. Females were four times more likely to undergo negative appendectomy than males. Conclusion: The NAR is clinically significant as about two out of every five patients undergoing emergency appendectomy for suspected AA do not require the procedure. The AS is underutilized despite a demonstrated ability to decrease the NAR. We recommend that the AS be incorporated in the management of patients with suspected appendicitis. Keywords: Negative appendectomy rate, SubSaharan Africa, Alvarado score, Appendectomy, Suspected acute appendicitis


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tal Taraboulos Klein ◽  
Elkana Kohn ◽  
Baruch Klin ◽  
Tomer Ziv-Baran ◽  
Eran Kozer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The typical history of acute appendicitis is observed in less than 60% of cases. Therefore, searching for a surrogate marker is mandatory. Our goal was to determine whether the soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM-1) is an efficient biomarker for acute appendicitis. Methods sTREM-1 serum levels were measured in addition to carrying out routine diagnostic tests (urine dipstick, complete blood count and C- reactive protein) in children admitted to the Emergency Department with suspected appendicitis. Statistical analysis was performed in order to examine whether sTREM-1 was a significant predictor of appendicitis. Results Fifty three of 134 children enrolled in the study were diagnosed with appendicitis. There was no significant difference in serum sTREM-1 levels (p=0.111) between children with or without appendicitis. Leukocytes, neutrophils and CRP were significantly elevated in the appendicitis group (p<0.001). The appendix diameter was significantly larger and the Alvarado score significantly higher in the appendicitis group (p<0.001). Conclusion serum sTREM-1 is not a good marker for acute appendicitis. Customary tests in addition to a proper patient history and physical examination are still the most effective methods to diagnose acute appendicitis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-59
Author(s):  
Bhoj Raj Sharma ◽  
Nawaraj Paudel ◽  
Santwana Parajuli ◽  
Sushma Singh ◽  
Madhu Maya Timilsina

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common condition requiring an emergency ultrasound scan as well as surgery. Several scoring systems for acute appendicitis has been suggested to improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the negative appendectomy rate. In this study, we have evaluated the diagnostic performance of ultrasound on the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, other appendicular pathology, and correlate with surgical outcome. Material and methods: This retrospective study included 776 cases of ultrasound scan reports in which the appendix was visualized and not visualized or equivocal. Data were collected from October 2014 to April 2019 from different department and wards of Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Center (GMCTHRC). All the cases with diagnosed acute appendicitis, appendicular lump, and appendicular abscess were included and were followed for its surgical outcome. The surgical note or post-operative findings served as the reference standard for determining whether perforation was present or not. Result: There were 776 ultrasound scans for suspected appendicitis out of which 423 (54.5%) were diagnosed as appendicular pathology. Out of 423 diagnosed cases, 192 (45.4%) were males and 231 (54.6%) were females, with age ranging from 24 months to 87 years. Sonographic findings, in these positive subjects, suggested acute appendicitis, appendicular lump, abscess, and amount of free fluid in right iliac fossa (RIF) and pelvic cavity. Frank acute appendicitis was present in 378 (89.3%) cases, eight (1.9%) cases had an appendicular abscess, 23 (5.4%) had an appendicular lump and 14 (3.3%) had perforated appendicitis. Conclusion: We conclude that ultrasound is a good modality for visualization of appendicitis with other appendicular pathology. We could follow a structured report and identify pathology more specifically. Ultrasound is an easy and non-invasive test to investigate.  


2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 917-920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel D. Dearing ◽  
Jamesa Recabaren ◽  
Magdi Alexander

The highest degrees of accuracy have been demonstrated for CT scans using rectal contrast in diagnosing appendicitis. However, the administration of rectal contrast is associated with patient discomfort and rarely, rectosigmoid perforation (0.04%). Additionally, the commonly accepted negative appendectomy rate is around 16 per cent. We performed a retrospective review of radiology, operative, and pathology reports of consecutive patients undergoing appendectomy or CT examination for appendicitis during 2006. CT scans were performed without rectal contrast. The accuracy of each type of inpatient CT examination and negative appendectomy rates were determined. Two hundred and thirty-eight patients underwent appendectomy. One hundred and thirty-four appendectomy patients (56%) received a preoperative CT scan. The negative appendectomy rates were 6.3 per cent overall, 8.7 per cent without CT examination and 4.5 per cent with CT (P = 0.3). Two hundred and forty-five inpatient CT scans were performed for suspected appendicitis with a sensitivity of 90 per cent, specificity of 98 per cent, accuracy of 94 per cent, positive predictive value of 98 per cent, and negative predictive value of 91 per cent. CT scanning without rectal contrast is effective for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis making rectal contrast, with its attendant morbidity, unnecessary. The previously acceptable published negative appendectomy rate is higher than that found in current surgical practice likely due to preoperative CT scanning.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 702
Author(s):  
Mohammed Hillu Surriah ◽  
Amine Mohammed Bakkour ◽  
Nidaa Ali Abdul Hussain

Background: The clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis remains a challenge to surgeons. Different aids were introduced to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Among these modalities, ultrasonography is simple, easily available, non-invasive, convenient and cost effective. The aim of the study was to determine the validity of ultrasound in diagnosis of the acute appendicitis in those with clinically diagnosed patients.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in Al-Karama teaching hospital for thirty months from the period of 1st June 2016 to 1st December 2018. All patients with suspected appendicitis underwent clinical evaluation then sent for US. Results of surgeries, where relevant, were compared against US results. Positive and negative appendices on histopathology were regarded in accordance to the criteria which was negative appendectomy was defined as normal looking appendix and absence of acute inflammation on histopathology while positive cases included appendices showing acute inflammatory changes. Sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy was calculated.Results: A total of 435 patients with suspected appendicitis, males 224 (51.49%) and females 211 (48.50%) were included in present study. There were no significant differences between patients with positive and negative histopathology findings regarding presenting symptoms. There was a significant association between (cough sign, localized tenderness sign and pointing sign) and patients with positive histopathology findings. Regarding to the validity results of ultrasound in comparison to histopathology findings were  accuracy 87.6%, sensitivity 87.8%, specificity 85.3%, positive predictive value 98.6% and negative predictive value 62.8%.Conclusions: The ultrasonography had a good accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing acute appendicitis cases. Negative with ultrasonography results should be re-examined with different diagnostic technique like CT-scan.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 3924
Author(s):  
Murhari D. Gaikwad ◽  
Anand Auti ◽  
Avinash Magare

Background: To evaluate and compare diagnostic accuracy of modified Alvarado score and ultrasonography in co-relation to histopathology report for diagnosis of acute appendicitis.Methods: A prospective study of the patients who underwent appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis at IIMS and R Medical College and Noor Hospital Warudi, Badnapur, Dist. Jalna (Maharashtra). The clinical (radiological) and ultrasonography data of 760 patients with suspected appendicitis was collected between March 2014 to Feb. 2017. These patients were evaluated by modified Alvarado score and ultrasonographically, which was corrected with histopathological finding.Results: Out of 760 patients 69.34% had acute appendicitis 63.81% had modified Alvarado score≥7 and 58.28% patients were ultrasonographically positive. In present study modified Alvarado score has sensitivity of 89.37% specificity 93.99% positive predictive value 97.11%, negative predictive value 79.64%, diagnostic accuracy of 81.32%.Conclusions: Modified Alvarado score can be used effectively in clinical decision making. When compare with ultrasonography neither one is advantageous. However, additional information provided by ultrasonography improves diagnostic accuracy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Shashidhara Puttaraju ◽  
Deva Keerthana D. Y.

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgically correctable acute abdomen presenting at emergency department worldwide. Inspite of all advances in diagnostic modalities and surgical techniques, diagnosis remains difficult sometimes as a challenge and delayed decision making complicates this surgical disease. Alvarado scoring system is one of available scoring system for diagnosis of acute appendicitis, based on history, clinical examination, lab investigations and easy to apply, helps in clinical decision regarding planning surgery and avoid negative laparotomies. The aim of the study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of Alvarado scoring system in preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis and correlating with postoperative findings.Methods: This study was conducted in 100 cases of suspected appendicitis admitted in surgery department of Rajiv Gandhi Speciality Hospital, Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, Union territory of India, from July 2015 to June 2017 adopting Alvarado scoring system. Results were analyzed.Results: Out of 100 patients admitted with suspected acute appendicitis, number of cases operated suspecting acute appendicitis were 83 of which 80 were found to have acutely inflamed appendix. Results of Alvarado score of operated patients are as follows: 80 patients had score 7-10, and 3 patients had score 5-6, patients with Alvarado score <5 (17 pts) were managed conservatively.Conclusions: The Alvarado scoring system is a simple and useful diagnostic tool for diagnosis of acute appendicitis with acceptable sensitivity and specificity and can be used with high degree of accuracy. Our findings suggest that patients presenting with abdominal pain and Alvarado scores greater than 7 are more likely to have appendicitis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
BR Malla ◽  
H Batajoo

Background Acute appendicitis is the most frequent surgical emergency encountered worldwide. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Tzanakis score and Alvarado score in diagnosing acute appendicitis.Objectives The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of Tzanakis scoring system with Alvarado scoring system in diagnosing AA.Methods This was a retrospective and nonrandomized observational study conducted in Dhulikhel hospital. It included 200 clinically diagnosed cases of acute appendicitis who underwent emergency open or laparoscopic appendectomy during the year 2012. Final diagnosis of acute appendicitis was based on histological findings given by pathologist.Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Tzanakis score was 86.9%, 75.0, 97.5% and 33.3% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Alvarado score was 76.0%, 75.0%, 97.2% and 21.4% respectively. Negative appendectomy was 8.0%. Conclusion Tzanakis scoring system is an effective scoring system in diagnosing acute appendicitis.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 48-50


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-72
Author(s):  
O.B. Karki ◽  
N.K. Hazra

Background Patients presenting with suspected appendicitis pose a diagnostic challenge. Various scoring systems have been designed to aid in the clinical assessment of these patients. Widely applied was Alvarado score and best performed in validating studies, but was observed with few drawbacks. Appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score was designed to overcome the drawbacks associated with the implementation of Alvarado scoring system. Objective The main objective of this study was to evaluate the Appendicitis inflammatory Response Score and compare its performance in predicting risk of appendicitis with the Alvarado score. Method Appendicitis inflammatory response score and Alvarado scores were calculated prospectively on patients suspected of acute appendicitis presenting to Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal between July 2017 and June 2019. Diagnostic performance of the two scores was compared. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21 and p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Result The study included 217 patients with 109 (50.2%) males and 108 (49.8%) females. The mean age of patients was 25.77±15.54. The results analyzed showed better sensitivity of Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score (96.91%) as compared to 94.30% of Alvarado score. The positive and negative predictive values of Alvarado score were 74.87% and 50%, as compared to 79.70% and 72.20% for AIR score. Furthermore, the area under receiver operating curve of the appendix inflammatory response score was better (0.701) than that of Alvarado score (0.580). Conclusion Appendicitis Inflammatory Response (AIR) scoring performed well and more accurate than Alvarado scoring system with high specificity and high negative predictive value preventing negative appendectomies.


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