Non Enhanced Helical Ct Scan In VisualizationOf Normal Appendix

Khalid Ameen, May

	Non Enhanced Helical Ct Scan In VisualizationOf Normal Appendix
Journal of the Faculty of Medicine
Article 1, Volume 48, Issue 3, 2006, Pages 326-330
Author
May Khalid Ameen
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the frequency of visualization, thickness, and anatomical features of the normal appendix at nonenhanced helical computed tomography (CT).Materials and methods : Two radiologists prospectively iterpreted, in consensus, the abdominal CT scans of 140 patients who were examined for renal colic assessment. They were blinded to patients' surgical history regarding a previous appendectomy. No contrast material was used. The frequency of visualization, and the two – wall thickness of normal appendix were recorded, as well as the anatomical features of the appendix and the effect of adequasy of intraperitoneal fat on identification of the appendix.Results : The prevalence of appendectomy was 9% (13 of 140 patients). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accurasy of visualization of normal appendix were 77%, 85%, 98%, 27%, and 77% respectively. The frequency of visualization was lower in patients with less nintraperitoneal fat. The mean thickness of normal appendix if no intraluminal content was visualized was 6.6 mm+ 1.0 mm, and the mean thickness excluding visualized intraluminal content was 3.6mm + 0.8 mm.Conclusion : Most normal appendices are seen at nonenhanced helical CT. The thickness of normal appendix, when the content is not recognizable, overlaps the values currently used to diagnose appendicitis at CT.

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