Menaka Nadar MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Arun Krishnaraj MD, MPH, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. To review the current ACR guidelines for imaging in patients with suspected acute appendicitis. 2. To review the US findings of acute appendicitis. 3. To explain the role of US in diagnosing acute appendicitis in appropriately selected adults.

1. Presentation/workup of acute appendicitis 2. ACR guidelines for imaging patients with suspected acute appendicitis 3. US findings in acute appendicitis 4. Staged US and CT protocol for imaging appropriately selected adults with suspected appendicitis -US evaluation of the appendix can be effective at diagnosing appendicitis in a variety of patients -US first can avoid unnecessary radiation and is lower cost than CT -In cases of a nonvisualized appendix, but inflammatory changes in the right lower quadrant (i.e. free fluid or increased echogenicity within the surrounding fat), CT is recommended for further evaluation. -In cases of equivocal ultrasound, further evaluation with CT or other imaging can be performed as clinically indicated. 5. Limitations of ultrasound in imaging adults with suspected appendicitis -BMI

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14001826/14001826_dsaq.pdf

Nadar, M, Krishnaraj, A, Use of a Staged US and CT Protocol to Diagnose Acute Appendicitis in Adults.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14001826.html