Role of Ultrasound in Diagnosing Appendicitis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Background: Appendicitis is a common acute surgical condition, where accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to prevent complications. Ultrasound, due to its non-invasive nature and absence of ionizing radiation, is a favored diagnostic tool, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of appendicitis and assess its impact on clinical decision-making.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 140 patients who underwent ultrasound imaging for suspected appendicitis at a tertiary care center. The study retrospectively analyzed data regarding the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of ultrasound findings, correlating them with surgical outcomes and clinical decision-making processes.

Results: The ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 85% for diagnosing appendicitis. The PPV and NPV were 75% and 90%, respectively. The odds ratio for true positive ultrasound diagnosis was 2.5 (95% CI: 1.5-4.1, P=0.001), while for true negatives, it was 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2-0.8, P=0.010). Ultrasound findings significantly influenced clinical decisions in 42.9% of the cases, leading to changes in management plans.

Conclusion: Ultrasound is a highly effective and impactful tool in the diagnosis of appendicitis, demonstrating high diagnostic accuracy and significantly influencing clinical decision-making. These findings support the use of ultrasound as a first-line diagnostic tool in managing suspected appendicitis, highlighting its utility in improving patient outcomes through precise and timely interventions.