Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis: Low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) Versus Standard-dose CT
Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis: Low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) Versus Standard-dose CT
The purpose of this study is to determine whether low-dose CT is not inferior to
 standard-dose CT in the rate of unnecessary appendectomy.
Acute appendicitis is a very common disease with the lifetime incidence of 7%. Abdomen CT is
 an established first-line diagnostic test in patients suspected of having acute appendicitis.
 Since many individuals suspected of having acute appendicitis are young, with a mean age of
 30 years, CT radiation is of particular concern.

 The estimated lifetime attributable risk of death from cancer due to the radiation exposure
 of a single abdomen CT study is 2-7/10,000 for average adults ranging 20-40 years in age.

 The purpose of this study is to determine whether low-dose CT is not inferior to
 standard-dose CT in the negative appendectomy rate.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Suspected of having acute appendicitis

 -  Referred for abdomen CT from Emergency Department

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 (ultrasonography is favored)

 -  Intravenous contrast-enhancement is contraindicated