Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis: Low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) Versus Standard-dose CT

Negative Appendectomy Rate Following Low-dose CT vs. Standard-dose CT

The purpose of this study is to determine whether low-dose CT is not inferior to standard-dose CT in the rate of unnecessary appendectomy.

Acute appendicitis is a very common disease with the lifetime incidence of 7%. Abdomen CT is an established first-line diagnostic test in patients suspected of having acute appendicitis. Since many individuals suspected of having acute appendicitis are young, with a mean age of 30 years, CT radiation is of particular concern.

The estimated lifetime attributable risk of death from cancer due to the radiation exposure of a single abdomen CT study is 2-7/10,000 for average adults ranging 20-40 years in age.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether low-dose CT is not inferior to standard-dose CT in the negative appendectomy rate.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Suspected of having acute appendicitis
• Referred for abdomen CT from Emergency Department

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 (ultrasonography is favored)
• Intravenous contrast-enhancement is contraindicated