High Alvarado Score is Independently Associated with Appendicitis in Children with Inconclusive Ultrasound

Acute appendicitis (AA) is a challenging diagnosis in the pediatric population. It usually requires meticulous examination of clinical, laboratory and radiological data [1–3]. In most studies, ultrasound (US) was found to be highly reliable and accurate for diagnosing pediatric appendicitis [2,3]. However, an inconclusive US in children with right lower quadrant pain is likely to be challenging for the emergency physician [4]. In such cases, the surgeon may choose to order an abdominal CT scan, at the cost of radiation, or to proceed with surgery, with the risk of a negative appendectomy.