The usefulness and positive predictive value of ultrasonography and computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adults: a retrospective study

To analyze the evolution of the use of imaging tests (ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT)) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. To determine the positive predictive value of these tests and the percentage of negative and complicated appendectomies. This retrospective study compared adults who underwent appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis at our tertiary hospital during 2015 versus similar patients at our center during 2007. A total of 278 patients were included. The rate of negative appendectomies descended to 5%. The positive predictive value of ultrasonography increased to 97.4% in 2015, and the positive predictive value of CT and combined CT and ultrasonography was 100%. The rate of complicated appendicitis increased (23% in 2015). The use of imaging tests increased, and the rate of "blind" laparotomies decreased. Nevertheless, the rate of complicated appendicitis increased.