Comparative Assessment of CT and Sonographic Techniques for Appendiceal Imaging
Scott W. Wise1,2,
Mark R. Labuski1,
Claudia J. Kasales1,
Judy S. Blebea1,
Jon W. Meilstrup1,
Gregory P. Holley1,
Salvatore A. LaRusso1,
James Holliman3,
Francesca M. Ruggiero4 and
David Mauger5
1
Department of Radiology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine,
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr., Hershey, PA 17033.
2
116 Racehorse Dr., Jonestown, PA 17038.
3
Department of Emergency Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of
Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033.
4
Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine,
Hershey, PA 17033.
5
Department of Health Evaluation Sciences, Pennsylvania State University
College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033.

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Fig. 1A. Graphs show diagnostic confidence per observer and imaging
technique. Each numbered line represents mean confidence score of single
observer using each technique for cases with negative (A) and positive
(B) findings for appendicitis. Optimal score would be 0 for cases with
negative findings and 10 for cases with positive findings. FACT = focused
appendiceal CT, A/P CT = abdominopelvic CT. "Enhanced" indicates
use of colonic contrast material.
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Fig. 1B. Graphs show diagnostic confidence per observer and imaging
technique. Each numbered line represents mean confidence score of single
observer using each technique for cases with negative (A) and positive
(B) findings for appendicitis. Optimal score would be 0 for cases with
negative findings and 10 for cases with positive findings. FACT = focused
appendiceal CT, A/P CT = abdominopelvic CT. "Enhanced" indicates
use of colonic contrast material.
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Fig. 2A. Acute appendicitis readily diagnosed in 24-year-old man using
all CT techniques but not identified on sonography. Minimal periappendiceal
inflammatory stranding is present on all CT images. Unenhanced focused
appendiceal CT scan shows appendicolith (black arrow) and slightly
enlarged appendix (white arrow).
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Fig. 2B. Acute appendicitis readily diagnosed in 24-year-old man using
all CT techniques but not identified on sonography. Minimal periappendiceal
inflammatory stranding is present on all CT images. Abdominopelvic CT scans
show equivocal cecal apical thickening (arrowhead, B) and
appendicolith (arrow, C) that is less conspicuous.
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Fig. 2C. Acute appendicitis readily diagnosed in 24-year-old man using
all CT techniques but not identified on sonography. Minimal periappendiceal
inflammatory stranding is present on all CT images. Abdominopelvic CT scans
show equivocal cecal apical thickening (arrowhead, B) and
appendicolith (arrow, C) that is less conspicuous.
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Fig. 2D. Acute appendicitis readily diagnosed in 24-year-old man using
all CT techniques but not identified on sonography. Minimal periappendiceal
inflammatory stranding is present on all CT images. Focused appendiceal CT
scans with colonic contrast material show cecal apical thickening
(arrowhead, D) and appendicoliths of intermediate conspicuity
(arrow, E).
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Fig. 2E. Acute appendicitis readily diagnosed in 24-year-old man using
all CT techniques but not identified on sonography. Minimal periappendiceal
inflammatory stranding is present on all CT images. Focused appendiceal CT
scans with colonic contrast material show cecal apical thickening
(arrowhead, D) and appendicoliths of intermediate conspicuity
(arrow, E).
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Fig. 3A. Sonography of 36-year-old woman shows that right lower
abdominal quadrant anatomy is better seen without colonic contrast material.
Sonogram obtained before administration of colonic contrast material depicts
right lower abdominal quadrant anatomy with reasonably good quality. Note
right iliac vessel adjacent to right iliopsoas muscle (arrow).
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Fig. 3B. Sonography of 36-year-old woman shows that right lower
abdominal quadrant anatomy is better seen without colonic contrast material.
Sonogram after administration of colonic contrast material shows distended
cecum (arrow) with floating specular reflectors but diminished
anatomic visualization.
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Fig. 4A. CT in 21-year-old man indicates suspicion of appendicitis but
follow-up produces negative results. Unenhanced focused appendiceal CT scan
shows 8-mm appendix (arrow) without definite inflammatory
stranding.
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Fig. 4B. CT in 21-year-old man indicates suspicion of appendicitis but
follow-up produces negative results. Abdominopelvic CT scan shows appendix
(arrow) that was seen on only one or two images.
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Fig. 4C. CT in 21-year-old man indicates suspicion of appendicitis but
follow-up produces negative results. Focused appendiceal CT scan with colonic
contrast material shows 8-mm appendix (arrow) with hazy
periappendiceal increase in attenuation, suggesting inflammation. Sonography
failed to show appendix.
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Copyright © 2001 by the American Roentgen Ray Society.