Diagnostic Value of Maximal - Outer - Diameter with High Frequency Probe Ultrasound by Graded Compression Technique in Acute Appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is a common problem in all age groups and clinical over diagnosis is very common. The aim of this study is to know the diagnostic value of maximal-outer-diameter (MOD) of the appendix. This was measured by high frequency ultrasound probe by graded compression technique in acute appendicitis. This study was conducted in the departments of Diagnostic Radiology at Combined Military Hospital and Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from 1st January 2009 to 1st November 2010. Ninety one patients of 8 - 70 years old with a suspicion of acute appendicitis based on Alvarado score of more than 7 were included. The appendix was scanned using a high resolution transducer (9 - 11 MHz linear transducer) the maximum outer diameter (MOD) was measured. Sixty nine were proved as acute appendicitis by biopsy. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of MOD of 8 mm or more in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is 98.5% and 100% respectively.