AJR. American journal of roentgenology
-
A prospective study of 170 patients with suspected appendicitis was performed to assess the value of sonography in detecting the normal and abnormal appendix. The wall thickness (normal, less than or equal to 3 mm), compressibility of the appendix, and echogenicity of surrounding fat were the primary criteria used to determine the status of the appendix. Of 60 patients who underwent surgery, appendicitis was proved in 45. ⋯ The predictive value of a positive test was 86%; that of a negative test was 98%. Ruptured appendicitis was predicted in all cases (11/11). Sonography is useful in detecting acute appendicitis and can clearly show the normal appendix more frequently than previously reported.