Is There Any Association Between the Efficacy of Imaging Techniques and the Age of the Patient in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis?

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to assess whether there is any difference between the time and effectiveness seen in the diagnostic stage of acute appendicitis when an appropriate imaging method is selected for the patients in different age groups. Materials and Methods: During the 6-month period between October 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016, we retrospectively reviewed the files of patients who visited our emergency clinic, which is a third-step emergency department of a university hospital, and who then underwent operations at our hospital. Patients were evaluated according to their age: Group 1, 40 years and younger; Group 2, 40-60 years; Group 3, 60 years and older. Results: In this study, 97 patients (59.1%) were male and 67 patients (40.9%) were female. Their ages ranged from 19 to 86 years (mean age, 36.7 +/- 14.7 years). The percentage of patients who underwent only ultrasonography (US) was 52.3% in the first age group, 39.5% in the second age group, and 0.0% in the third age group (p<0.0001). The rates of patients who underwent only computerized tomography (CT) were 15.3% in the first age group, 28.9% in the second age group, and 60% in the third age group (p<0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference between the sensitivities of CT and US by age group (p<0.001). Conclusion: We believe that US should be the first method to be preferred in young and uncomplicated cases and that CT should be preferred in elderly patients with atypical presentations.