More precision in diagnosing appendicitis

Article Abstract:

Diagnosis of appendicitis can be difficult and imprecise, as the symptoms of abdominal pain, fever, and elevated white blood cell levels are present in a number of clinical conditions. Computed tomography (CT) of the appendix may be very useful in detecting appendicitis while preventing unnecessary abdominal surgery. Nevertheless, CT scanning should not replace ultrasound examination and astute clinical evaluation for suspected appendicitis, especially in children. Each of these diagnostic tools is important in the management of this disease.

Editorial

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Effect of computed tomography of the appendix on treatment of patients and use of hospital resources

Article Abstract:

Routine computed tomography (CT) for patients with suspected appendicitis may improve patient care and lower the use of hospital resources. Researchers performed CT scans on 100 patients with symptoms of appendicitis, then compared pre-CT treatment plans with actual treatments. CT scanning confirmed appendicitis in 53 patients. CT prevented 13 unnecessary surgeries, 50 days of unnecessary hospitalization, and 11 delays in appropriate surgical treatment. Overall, routine CT for suspected appendicitis saved $447 per patient in treatment costs.

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Indications for computed tomography in patients with minor head injury

Article Abstract:

A set of signs and symptoms can be useful for identifying which patients with a minor head injury should have a CT scan of the head. The signs and symptoms include headache, vomiting, age greater than 60, drug or alcohol intoxication, short-term memory loss, injuries above the collarbones, and seizure. These signs and symptoms were determined in a study of 520 patients with minor head injuries. They were then tested on 909 similar patients, and all seven signs and symptoms identified all of the patients who had brain damage on a CT scan.

Evaluation, Injuries, Head injuries, Brain, Decision support systems, Brain injuries

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