ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: With similar effectiveness of ultrasonography, our institution replaced CT imaging with ultrasound for diagnosing appendicitis in children. An unexpected consequence was the overutilization of ultrasound. Our objective was to establish measures that could help prevent this overuse. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 327 consecutive pediatric patients evaluated for appendicitis between October 2014 and September 2015â¯at our institution was performed. Data on clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic findings were reviewed. Diagnostic accuracy of US and white blood cell (WBC) values was determined. An algorithm was created. RESULTS: 327 (100%) patients received an ultrasound for suspected appendicitis. WBC of 10,000/µl was determined to be the primary discriminant for management and ultrasound utilization. If a WBC ≥10,000/µL had been utilized as criteria for imaging, 49.5% fewer patients would have received an ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical exam, WBC count, and surgery consultation prior to ultrasonography can lessen then need for ultrasound utilization in children with suspected appendicitis.
