The role of radiology in diagnosing and managing acute appendicitis
Keywords:
Acute appendicitis, ultrasound, computed tomography, diagnostic imaging, clinical scoring systemsAbstract
Background: Acute appendicitis is the most prevalent abdominal infectious condition, affecting nearly 1 in 11 individuals globally. Despite its commonality, diagnostic approaches remain inconsistent across clinical guidelines. A crucial aspect is the differentiation between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis, as this influences treatment options. Aim: This narrative review evaluates the role of radiological methods—ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT)—in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis. Methods: The analysis focuses on existing literature, emphasizing randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses to compare imaging techniques' effectiveness. It also discusses clinical scoring systems and their integration with imaging features to improve diagnostic accuracy. Results: While clinical assessments alone have a high rate of misdiagnosis, imaging techniques significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy. US is non-invasive and radiation-free, but CT provides superior sensitivity and specificity for appendicitis diagnosis. Recent studies indicate that the combination of clinical scoring systems and imaging can optimize patient management, particularly in distinguishing between uncomplicated and complicated cases. Conclusion: Both US and CT play pivotal roles in diagnosing acute appendicitis. The integration of imaging techniques with clinical assessments improves diagnostic reliability, ultimately guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
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