Ultrasound: Appendix

Indications

Anyone suspected of having Appendicitis with symptoms including right lower quadrant pain, fever, nausea, vomiting.

Diagnosis

Identification of a noncompressible, blind-ending tubular structure in the longitudinal axis that measures greater than 6 mm in diameter and lacks peristalsis and has a target-like appearance in the transverse axis.

Support

The American Academy of Emergency Medicine American Academy of Emergency Medicine and The American College of Emergency Physicians have both put our policy statements supporting the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of appendicitis. "AAEM It is the position of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine that when appropriate expertise is available ultrasonography (US) should be strongly considered as the initial imaging modality when evaluating the pediatric patient with suspected acute appendicitis who requires imaging." http://www.aaem.org/UserFiles/FinalBODApprvdfrWepPostUSPeds5713.pdf