ultrasound signs
Last reviewed 01/2018
Ultrasound scanning has not found wide favour in the diagnosis of appendicitis. Sensitivity and specificity rates of greater than 80% have been reported, but these are in ideal circumstances. Adequate scanning is prevented by the presence of excessive tenderness and rigidity as this prevents adequate compression of abdomen to displace overlying loops of small bowel which would otherwise obscure the view.
Ultrasonographic signs of appendicitis include:
- non-compressible viscus
- thickened appendiceal wall
- increased diameter of appendix greater than 6mm