Sensitivity and Specificity of Investigations for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis and their Correlation with Histopathology Findings

Abstract

specificity of various commonly available investigations
for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and their
correlation with biopsy reports.
Methods:- In this comparative study 50 patients, with
provisional diagnosis of acute appendicitis, were enrolled.
Samples were collected for total leucocyte counts, Creactive
protein (CRP) and urine routine examination. All
the patients underwent ultrasound examination. After
appendicectomy, specimens were sent for
histopathological examination.The results of
investigations were compared with the results of
histopathology. .
Results:-In 38 patients with histopathologically proven
acute appendicitis, serum CRP levels was significantly
raised in 35 patients, TLC was raised in 20 patients and
ultrasound diagnosed to have appendicitis in 12 patients.
The sensitivity and specificity of C-reactive protein level
was 92% and 80%, TLC was 52% and 41.6%, while
ultrasound abdomen had a sensitivity and specificity of
31% and 75% respectively.
Conclusion:- In the presence of a normal preoperative
serum C-reactive protein level, the diagnosis of
acute appendicitis is highly unlikely.