Does Ultrasound Reliably Identify Perforated Appendicitis in Young Children?

Abstract

Although acute appendicitis (AA) ranks among the most common surgical emergencies, its diagnosis remains a challenge in children [1,2]. Dealing with a child under the age of five is usually more delicate, and physical examination is more challenging. Moreover, at this age, many conditions could mimic appendicitis [2]. This often results in a delay in the diagnosis of AA, which can be life threatening or lead to the diagnoses of complicated AA. Although some authors have highlighted the high reliability of ultrasound (US) findings for the diagnosis of AA in children, several studies have reported the limited effectiveness of US in distinguishing simple and complicated appendicitis [3–5].

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