Accuracy of ultrasonography for diagnosis of pediatric acute appendicitis: The experience of a Senegalese tertiary hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is more frequent in Africa then reported in literature. Its diagnosis can be facilitated by ultrasonography. However, the latter is not fully accurate. The aim of our study is to evaluate its accuracy for patients managed at our hospital.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analytic descriptive study from January 2013 to December 2017, in the service of pediatric surgery of Aristide Le Dantec University Teaching Hospital, in Dakar, Senegal.Results: We included 82 patients who underwent open surgery for acute appendicitis. The majority (61%) were realized in private clinics and radiologist were involved in 36% of cases. The appendix diameter was reported in 45%. In uncomplicated appendicitis, sensitivity of ultrasound was 80%, its specificity 73.3%. Its positive predictive value, 75% while its negative predictive value was 80%. Concerning complicated appendicitis, the sensitivity was 43.2%, its specificity, 91.1% and its positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 80% and 60%, respectively.Conclusion: Ultrasonography is reliable for the diagnosis of uncomplicated appendicitis, but not as much for complicated cases. Studies on factors which impact its accuracy in Sub Saharan Africa are needed.