Pediatric radiology
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Pediatric radiology · Apr 2015
Implementing an ultrasound-based protocol for diagnosing appendicitis while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
The use of ultrasound to diagnose appendicitis in children is well-documented but not universally employed outside of pediatric academic centers, especially in the United States. Various obstacles make it difficult for institutions and radiologists to abandon a successful and accurate CT-based imaging protocol in favor of a US-based protocol. ⋯ We overcame several barriers to implementing a US protocol. During the study period our ability to visualize the appendix with US increased and utilization of CT decreased. Our overall diagnostic accuracy with the US-based protocol was comparable to other published results and remained unchanged throughout the study.
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In this continuing series designed for pediatric radiology trainees, the imaging management of hip pain and a discovered bony mass are dissected through a specific case of a preadolescent.