Value of multi-slice CT and its processing technique in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Objective: To evaluate the value of multi-slice CT(MSCT) and its imaging processing technique in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods: Sixty-seven patients with clinically suspected appendicitis underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced MSCT. Images were transferred to the workstation and then processed with multiplanar reconstruction(MPR), curved planar reformation(CPR). The CT manifestations were analysed and compared with surgical and pathological findings. Results: The CT manifestations of acute appendicitis were an enlarged appendix in 38 cases, thickening of appendiceal wall in 31 cases, appendicolith in 19 cases, cecal apical thickening in 15 cases, appendiceal abscess in 12 cases, inflamatory mass in 7 cases. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MSCT in acute appendicitis were 95%, 82%, 93%, 96%, 75% respectively. Conclusion: MSCT can provide an advantage of showing the appendix multi-directionaly and improving the accuracy of diagnosis.