Abstract

CEDILLO ALEMAN, Enrique Javier et al. Sensitivity and specificity of the Alvarado Score in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis as compared with CAT scan and ultrasound during the first 24 hours of evolution. Cir. gen [online]. 2012, vol.34, n.2, pp.169-173. ISSN 1405-0099.

Objective: To compare the sensitivity and specificity of the Alvarado score for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with that of computed axial tomography (CAT) scan and ultrasound (US). Setting: Christus Muguerza High Specialty Hospital, Monterrey (México). Design: Prospective, comparative, observational, cross sectional study. Statistical analysis: sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Bayesian analysis. Patients and methods: Ninety-nine patients with clinical diagnosis suggestive of acute appendicitis with less than 24-hour evolution, subjected to appendicectomy. Patients were clinically evaluated with the Alvarado Score, CAT scan was performed in 43 patients, and abdominal US in 46 patients. We established the diagnostic value of the Alvarado Score by itself and compared it with the diagnostic value of CAT scan and US, as well as with the possibility of negative post-test (PNPT). The histopathological study was the diagnostic gold standard. Results: Ninety-nine patients evaluated with the Alvarado score, yielded a sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 57%, positive predictive value (PV) of 91% negative predictive value of 26%, PNPT of 32%. CAT scan had a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 0%, positive PV of 96%, negative PV of 0%, PNPT of 99%. The US revealed a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 50%, positive PV of 92%, negative PV of 43%, PNPT of 17%. Conclusion: The Alvarado score continues to be a good diagnostic test for acute appendicitis. US is the best adjuvant imaging test, since when it indicates negativity for appendicitis, the possibility that this is present is of 17%.

Keywords : Appendicitis; surgical management; Alvarado score; CT scan; conservative treatment; ultrasound.

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