Role of Multislice Computed Tomography in Acute Right Lower Quadrant Abdominal Pain

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

The Departments of Radio-Diagnosis & Medical Imaging* and Anesthesiology & Surgical Intensive Care**, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Acute appendicitis is the most widely rec-ognized reason for right lower quadrant pain. However, various different conditions may cause signs and symptoms that mimic acute appendicitis. Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) is currently viewed as the imaging modality of choice in patients presenting with right lower quadrant abdominal pain as it helps to make a definitive diagnosis in most of the cases.
Aim of Study: To evaluate the role of MSCT in the iden-tification of numerous etiologies in patients with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain.
Patients and Methods: This work was conducted on thirty patients (20 females and 10 males) who presented with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain. All patients underwent to detailed history taking, clinical examination, laboratory studies, ultrasound examination and MSCT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis. The correlation was done between the MSCT findings and the final diagnosis. The final diagnosis was made by operative procedures, laparoscopy, histopatho-logical results and conservative management.
Results: There were 17 patients (56.6%) with acute ap-pendicitis and appendiceal complications, 6 females (20%) with acute gynecological diseases, 4 patients (13.3%) with other acute gastrointestinal (GIT) diseases and 3 patients (10%) with acute urological diseases. There were 24 patients went through surgery or laparoscopy, 6 patients were managed conservatively with close follow-up. The sensitivity of MSCT in our study was highest in acute GIT diseases and acute urological diseases, then appendicular diseases and the last in acute gynecological diseases.
Conclusion: Multislice CT is a significantly valuable noninvasive imaging method for identification and assessment of the most recognized reasons such as appendicitis in addition to the less known conditions.

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