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Balbo S, Pini CM, Raffaldi I, Delmonaco AG, Castagno E, Guanà R, Di Rosa G, Bondone C. Accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in a pediatric emergency department. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2024. [PMID: 38436504 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) in diagnosing acute appendicitis in children; to evaluate the concordance between PoCUS performed by a pediatric emergency physician (PedEm) and ultrasonography (US) performed by a radiologist; to draw a "learning curve." METHODS We prospectively enrolled children aged 0-14 years old led to the Emergency Department of Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, from January 2021 to June 2021, with suspected acute appendicitis. PoCUS was performed by a single trained PedEm, blindly to the radiologist's scan. A "self-assessment score" and the "time of duration of PoCUS" were recorded for each patient. Final diagnosis of appendicitis was made by a pediatric surgeon. RESULTS We enrolled 62 children (2-14 years). Overall sensitivity of PoCUS was 88%, specificity 90%; PPV 90.6%, and NPV 86.6%. Global concordance between the PedEm and the radiologist was good/excellent (k 0.74). The mean duration of PoCUS significantly decreased during the study period, while the self-assessment score increased. CONCLUSION This is a preliminary study that shows the effectiveness of PoCUS in diagnosing acute appendicitis; furthermore, it shows how the PedEm's performance may improve over time. The learning curve showed how the experience of the PedEm affects the accuracy of PoCUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Balbo
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Cecilia Maria Pini
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Raffaldi
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Castagno
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Guanà
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Di Rosa
- Radiology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudia Bondone
- Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
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Lamm R, Kumar SS, Collings AT, Haskins IN, Abou-Setta A, Narula N, Nepal P, Hanna NM, Athanasiadis DI, Scholz S, Bradley JF, Train AT, Pucher PH, Quinteros F, Slater B. Diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Endosc 2023; 37:8933-8990. [PMID: 37914953 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10456-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis remains controversial. This systematic review details the evidence and current best practices for the evaluation and management of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis in adults and children. METHODS Eight questions regarding the diagnosis and management of appendicitis were formulated. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov/NLM were queried for articles published from 2010 to 2022 with key words related to at least one question. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included. Two reviewers screened each publication for eligibility and then extracted data from eligible studies. Random effects meta-analyses were performed on all quantitative data. The quality of randomized and non-randomized studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 or Newcastle Ottawa Scale, respectively. RESULTS 2792 studies were screened and 261 were included. Most had a high risk of bias. Computerized tomography scan yielded the highest sensitivity (> 80%) and specificity (> 93%) in the adult population, although high variability existed. In adults with uncomplicated appendicitis, non-operative management resulted in higher odds of readmission (OR 6.10) and need for operation (OR 20.09), but less time to return to work/school (SMD - 1.78). In pediatric patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, non-operative management also resulted in higher odds of need for operation (OR 38.31). In adult patients with complicated appendicitis, there were higher odds of need for operation following antibiotic treatment only (OR 29.00), while pediatric patients had higher odds of abscess formation (OR 2.23). In pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for complicated appendicitis, higher risk of reoperation at any time point was observed in patients who had drains placed at the time of operation (RR 2.04). CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis remains nuanced. A personalized approach and appropriate patient selection remain key to treatment success. Further research on controversies in treatment would be useful for optimal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Lamm
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunjay S Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, 613 Curtis, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - Amelia T Collings
- Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ivy N Haskins
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ahmed Abou-Setta
- Centre for Healthcare Innovation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nisha Narula
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pramod Nepal
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nader M Hanna
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stefan Scholz
- Division of General and Thoracic Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joel F Bradley
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Arianne T Train
- Department of Surgery, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Philip H Pucher
- Department of Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Francisco Quinteros
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA
| | - Bethany Slater
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Boyle MJ, Lin-Martore M, Graglia S. Point-of-care ultrasound in the assessment of appendicitis. Emerg Med J 2023; 40:528-531. [PMID: 37277167 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-212433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jarvis Boyle
- Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Margaret Lin-Martore
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sally Graglia
- Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Diercks DB, Adkins EJ, Harrison N, Sokolove PE, Kwok H, Wolf SJ, Diercks DB, Anderson JD, Byyny R, Carpenter CR, Friedman B, Gemme SR, Gerardo CJ, Godwin SA, Hahn SA, Hatten BW, Haukoos JS, Kaji A, Kwok H, Lo BM, Mace SE, Moran M, Promes SB, Shah KH, Shih RD, Silvers SM, Slivinski A, Smith MD, Thiessen MEW, Tomaszewski CA, Trent S, Valente JH, Wall SP, Westafer LM, Yu Y, Cantrill SV, Finnell JT, Schulz T, Vandertulip K. Clinical Policy: Critical Issues in the Evaluation and Management of Emergency Department Patients With Suspected Appendicitis: Approved by ACEP Board of Directors February 1, 2023. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 81:e115-e152. [PMID: 37210169 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
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5
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Cho SU, Oh SK. Accuracy of ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the emergency department: A systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33397. [PMID: 37000097 PMCID: PMC10063291 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a quick, useful, noninvasive, and inexpensive diagnostic tool used for the diagnosis of trauma, abdominal pain, dyspnea, and chest pain in the emergency department (ED). However, the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in the ED may be different from those reported in previous studies owing to the setting and time constraints in ED. METHODS We conducted our study in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. A literature search was conducted using databases on US National Library of Medicine's database of biomedical literature, Ovid MEDLINE, online database of biomedical articles, and the collection of databases of systematic reviews and other evidence. The inclusion criteria were the use of bedside ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for acute appendicitis in the ED and the available data on diagnostic parameters such as sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (NPV). We constructed forest plots and summary receiver operating characteristic curves to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of bedside ultrasound for acute appendicitis in the ED. RESULTS A total of 21 studies that met the inclusion criteria of this study were included for analysis. The overall pooled sensitivity was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.78-0.83), whereas the pooled specificity was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.85-0.88). However, the I2 test showed 91.7% and 90.9% heterogeneity in the sensitivity and specificity values, respectively. The summary receiver operating characteristic curves showed high levels of accuracy, as evidenced by an area under the curve of 0.9249 (standard error: 0.0180). CONCLUSIONS The use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the ED showed that ultrasound has high overall sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. however, high heterogeneity among the included studies was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Uk Cho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Kwang Oh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong, Republic of Korea
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Raeisi R, Azizi M, Amiri J, Ghorbanpour M, Esna-Ashari F. Accuracy Evaluation of Pediatric Appendicitis Scoring (PAS) Method in Differentiating Nonspecific Abdominal Pain from Appendicitis. Int J Prev Med 2023; 14:40. [PMID: 37351062 PMCID: PMC10284213 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_539_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy of the pediatric appendicitis scoring method in differentiating nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) from appendicitis. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 children who were hospitalized in the emergency ward due to acute abdominal pain suspected of appendicitis . Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), C-reactive protein (CRP), and appendicitis pathology results of patients undergoing surgery were recorded. Results The results showed that the no significant difference was found among patients in the three experimental groups (appendicitis, specific abdominal pain except appendicitis, and NSAP) with respect to temperature (p = 0.212), but the other variables were significantly different. Findings showed that high CRP frequency, pain migration to right lower quadrant (RLQ), tenderness in right iliac fossa (RIF), anorexia, leukocytosis, high neutrophil, and mean tenderness in RLQ in the appendicitis group were higher than those in the other two groups (p = 0.001). The PAS questionnaire can also be used as a reliable questionnaire with appropriate sensitivity (0.929) and specificity (0.993), and this questionnaire along with detailed clinical examinations could reduce the rate of negative appendectomy to less than 1%. Conclusions This study showed high accuracy of PAS in diagnosing children with appendicitis and differentiating appendicitis from cases of NSAP and specific abdominal pain other than appendicitis. The PAS system could also significantly reduce cases of negative appendicitis. Although high CRP had an excellent ability to diagnose appendicitis, its accuracy was lower than PAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Raeisi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mona Azizi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Jalaleddin Amiri
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Farzaneh Esna-Ashari
- Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Harada T, Harada Y, Hiroshige J, Shimizu T. Factors associated with delayed diagnosis of appendicitis in adults: A single-center, retrospective, observational study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276454. [PMID: 36264971 PMCID: PMC9584535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain; yet the risk of delayed diagnosis remains despite recent advances in abdominal imaging. Understanding the factors associated with delayed diagnosis can lower the risk of diagnostic errors for acute appendicitis. These factors, including physicians’ specialty as a generalist or non-generalist, were evaluated through a retrospective, observational study of adult acute appendicitis cases at a single center, between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2021. The main outcome was timely diagnosis, defined as "diagnosis at the first visit if the facility had computed tomography (CT) capability" or "referral to an appropriate medical institution promptly after the first visit for a facility without CT capability," with all other cases defined as delayed diagnosis. The frequency of delayed diagnosis was calculated and associated factors evaluated through multivariate and exploratory analyses. The overall rate of delayed diagnosis was 26.2% (200/763 cases). Multivariate analysis showed that tenderness in the right lower abdominal region, absence of diarrhea, a consultation of ≤6 h after symptom onset, and consultation with a generalist were associated with a decreased risk of delayed diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Exploratory analysis found that generalists performed more physical findings related to acute appendicitis, suggesting that this diagnostic approach may be associated with timely diagnosis. Future studies should adjust for other potential confounding factors, including patient complexity, consultation environment, number of physicians, diagnostic modality, and physician specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taku Harada
- Division of General Medicine, Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yukinori Harada
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Juichi Hiroshige
- Division of General Medicine, Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taro Shimizu
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
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Bergmann KR, Khant M, Lammers S, Arroyo AC, Avendano P, Chaudoin L, Cohen SG, Deanehan JK, Kornblith AE, Lam SHF, Lin-Martore M, Malia L, Pade KH, Park DB, Sivitz A, Shahar-Nissan K, Snelling PJ, Tessaro MO, Thomas-Mohtat R, Whitcomb V, Yock-Corrales A, Walsh P, Watson D, Madhok M. Accuracy and Interrater Reliability of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Image Interpretation for Intussusception. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:442-447. [PMID: 36040465 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and interrater reliability of (1) point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) image interpretation for identification of intussusception and (2) reliability of secondary signs associated with intussusception among experts compared with novice POCUS reviewers. METHODS We conducted a planned secondary analysis of a prospective, convenience sample of children aged 3 months to 6 years who were evaluated with POCUS for intussusception across 17 international pediatric emergency departments between October 2018 and December 2020. A random sample of 100 POCUS examinations was reviewed by novice and expert POCUS reviewers. The primary outcome was identification of the presence or absence of intussusception. Secondary outcomes included intussusception size and the presence of trapped free fluid or echogenic foci. Accuracy was summarized using sensitivity and specificity, which were estimated via generalized mixed effects logistic regression. Interrater reliability was summarized via Light's κ statistics with bootstrapped standard errors (SEs). Accuracy and reliability of expert and novice POCUS reviewers were compared. RESULTS Eighteen expert and 16 novice POCUS reviewers completed the reviews. The average expert sensitivity was 94.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.6-97.5), and the specificity was 94.3% (95% CI, 90.3-96.7), significantly higher than the average novice sensitivity of 84.7% (95% CI, 74.3-91.4) and specificity of 80.4% (95% CI, 72.4, 86.7). κ was significantly greater for expert (0.679, SE 0.039) compared with novice POCUS reviewers (0.424, SE 0.044; difference 0.256, SE 0.033). For our secondary outcome measure of intussusception size, κ was significantly greater for experts (0.661, SE 0.038) compared with novices (0.397, SE 0.041; difference 0.264, SE 0.029). Interrater reliability was weak for expert and minimal for novice reviewers regarding the detection of trapped free fluid and echogenic foci. CONCLUSIONS Expert POCUS reviewers demonstrate high accuracy and moderate interrater reliability when identifying intussusception via image interpretation and perform better than novice reviewers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Bergmann
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Marshal Khant
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Shea Lammers
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Alexander C Arroyo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Pablo Avendano
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Lindsey Chaudoin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
| | - Stephanie G Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Children's Healthcare Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - J Kate Deanehan
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aaron E Kornblith
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Samuel H F Lam
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sutter Medical Center Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
| | - Margaret Lin-Martore
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Laurie Malia
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York Presbyterian-Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Kathryn H Pade
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Daniel B Park
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Adam Sivitz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ
| | - Keren Shahar-Nissan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Peter J Snelling
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark O Tessaro
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rosemary Thomas-Mohtat
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Valerie Whitcomb
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Adriana Yock-Corrales
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hospital Nacional de Niños "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera," CCSS, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Paige Walsh
- Department of Research and Sponsored Programs, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Dave Watson
- Department of Research and Sponsored Programs, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Manu Madhok
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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Atalar H, Keşaplı M, Karakoyun ÖF, Karaca A. Emergency Physicians’ Point of Care Ultrasonography (POCUS) Competency Assessment for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in Pediatric Cases. EURASIAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.4274/eajem.galenos.2021.93270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Solomon L, Emma M, Gibbons LM, Kusulas MP. Current risk landscape of point-of-care ultrasound in pediatric emergency medicine in medical malpractice litigation. Am J Emerg Med 2022; 58:16-21. [PMID: 35623178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is expanding as a diagnostic tool in pediatric emergency medicine. Pediatricians are apprehensive to take on the risk of malpractice from incorrect interpretation of PoCUS imaging, therefore limiting its use. Although current studies provide reassurance to this concern, none look directly at the risk for pediatric emergency medicine physicians. Our study aims to evaluate the current medicolegal risk landscape posed by PoCUS in pediatric emergency medicine. METHODS A search of case law was performed utilizing the LexisNexis caselaw database for the period of January 2011 through December 2021. Initial search results were reviewed by the attorney co-authors for relevance to medical malpractice surrounding PoCUS. The remaining cases were reviewed by physician co-authors to ensure their relevance to both ultrasound and the acute care setting. Identified cases were then classified into categories as per the reason for the claim. RESULTS No cases of malpractice litigation were identified that directly related to PoCUS. Ten cases of ultrasound in the acute care setting were identified, 7 of which were in pediatric patients. The majority of these cases related to appendicitis or testicular torsion. Of these 10 cases, 2 cases claimed failure to consider the ultimate diagnosis, but ultrasound would have been an appropriate study had the diagnosis been considered. Of the 8 remaining cases, 6 were based on failure to perform or delay performing ultrasound, 1 claimed that improper ultrasound study was initially performed, and 1 case was based on an improper diagnosis made by ultrasound. DISCUSSION PoCUS does not appear to pose a significant risk of malpractice litigation in pediatric emergency medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Solomon
- Department of Pediatrics, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America.
| | - Maggie Emma
- Risk Management, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, United States of America
| | - Lisa M Gibbons
- Claims Management, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, United States of America
| | - Matthew P Kusulas
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States of America
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Becker BA, Kaminstein D, Secko M, Collin M, Kehrl T, Reardon L, Stahlman BA. A prospective, multicenter evaluation of point-of-care ultrasound for appendicitis in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:164-173. [PMID: 34420255 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for the diagnosis of appendicitis in a general emergency department (ED) population as performed by emergency physicians with variable ultrasound experience. METHODS We performed a prospective, multicenter, observational study examining a convenience sample of adult patients with potential appendicitis presenting to the ED between July 2014 and February 2020. Each emergency physician-performed POCUS was interpreted at the bedside and retrospectively by an expert reviewer. Test characteristics were calculated for POCUS and blinded expert interpretation compared to surgical pathology in patients undergoing appendectomy and advanced imaging in patients managed nonoperatively. RESULTS A total of 256 subjects were included in the primary analysis with an overall appendicitis prevalence of 28.1%. For the diagnosis of appendicitis, POCUS demonstrated an overall sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.74 to 0.92), 0.63 (95% CI = 0.56 to 0.70), 2.29 (95% CI = 1.85 to 2.84), and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.14 to 0.42), respectively. Expert review yielded a lower sensitivity (0.74 [95% CI = 0.62 to 0.83]) with a similar specificity (0.63 [95% CI = 0.56 to 0.70]). CONCLUSION POCUS is moderately accurate for acute appendicitis as performed by emergency physicians with a wide range of ultrasound expertise, but lacks adequate sensitivity and specificity to function as a definitive test in an undifferentiated ED population. Further study is warranted to elucidate the optimal role of integrated POCUS in the general approach to suspected appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A. Becker
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
| | - Daniel Kaminstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
| | - Michael Secko
- Department of Emergency Medicine Stony Brook University Hospital Stony Brook New York USA
| | - Mark Collin
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
| | - Thompson Kehrl
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
| | - Lindsay Reardon
- Department of Emergency Medicine Stony Brook University Hospital Stony Brook New York USA
| | - Barbara A. Stahlman
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wellspan York Hospital York Pennsylvania USA
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12
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Davis J, Chima M, Kasmire K. Radiation-Free Diagnosis of Pediatric Appendicitis: Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:e246-e250. [PMID: 32925703 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Appendicitis is a common pediatric surgical emergency, and it can often be difficult to diagnose. Computed tomography is commonly used as a diagnostic criterion standard, but herein, we describe the accuracy of a "radiation-free" diagnostic algorithm using point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose pediatric appendicitis. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who had a POCUS ordered for evaluation of pediatric appendicitis. Results of POCUS and MRI were classified as positive, negative, or equivocal using previously described cutoffs and criterion standard of surgery/pathology or clinical follow-up. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated using traditional methods. RESULTS We identified 209 patients for inclusion. The sensitivity and specificity of POCUS were 100% and 95.2%, respectively, in addition to 86 equivocal examinations, 6 of which had appendicitis. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 94.4% and 96.5%, respectively, in addition to 27 equivocal examinations, 2 of which had appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS Using POCUS and MRI for the diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis is a highly accurate way to avoid ionizing radiation in children. In our study, POCUS is as accurate as MRI, although this is limited by being mostly done by a single provider and a high number of equivocal examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Davis
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Vituity, Wichita, KS
| | | | - Kathryn Kasmire
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA
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E Kasmire K, Davis J. Emergency Department Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Can Reduce Length of Stay in Pediatric Appendicitis: A Retrospective Review. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2021; 40:2745-2750. [PMID: 33665873 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Appendicitis is the most common pediatric surgical emergency. Ultrasonography is recommended as first-line imaging for appendicitis in children; however, this is often followed by more advanced imaging. Our goal was to determine if point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) could reduce cost and length-of-stay (LOS) in suspected pediatric appendicitis. METHODS We performed a chart review of patients presenting to our pediatric emergency department (ED) from August 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019 who had imaging for appendicitis. We compared cost and LOS for patients who received POCUS to those who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as first-line imaging, which is standard at our institution. RESULTS We identified 695 visits of 685 unique patients. Patients who received POCUS (n = 209) had a significantly shorter mean LOS (274 minutes) in the ED compared to patients who did not (317 minutes, P <.001). This was true regardless of the month of their visit. The POCUS group was younger, less likely to have right lower quadrant pain/tenderness, less likely to be admitted, and less likely to have appendicitis than the MRI group. Average appendix imaging cost per patient was lower in the POCUS group at $1308 compared to the MRI group at $1371 (P <.001), although patients who had both POCUS and MRI (n = 102) had the highest average imaging costs ($2010). CONCLUSION POCUS can reduce LOS and imaging cost in suspected pediatric appendicitis. Further study is warranted to determine which patients benefit the most from POCUS and whether the results are applicable in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Kasmire
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua Davis
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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14
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Watkins LA, Dial SP, Koenig SJ, Kurepa DN, Mayo PH. The Utility of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. J Intensive Care Med 2021; 37:1029-1036. [PMID: 34632837 DOI: 10.1177/08850666211047824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in adult critical care environments has become the standard of care in many hospitals. A robust literature shows its benefits for both diagnosis and delivery of care. The utility of POCUS in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), however, is understudied. This study describes in a series of PICU patients the clinical indications, protocols, findings and impact of pediatric POCUS on clinical management. Design: Retrospective analysis of 200 consecutive POCUS scans performed by a PICU physician. Patients: Pediatric critical care patients who required POCUS scans over a 15-month period. Setting: The pediatric and cardiac ICUs at a tertiary pediatric care center. Interventions: Performance of a POCUS scan by a pediatric critical care attending with advanced training in ultrasonography. Measurement and Main Results: A total of 200 POCUS scans comprised of one or more protocols (lung and pleura, cardiac, abdominal, or vascular diagnostic protocols) were performed on 155 patients over a 15-month period. The protocols used for each scan reflected the clinical question to be answered. These 200 scans included 133 thoracic protocols, 110 cardiac protocols, 77 abdominal protocols, and 4 vascular protocols. In this series, 42% of scans identified pathology that required a change in therapy, 26% confirmed pathology consistent with the ongoing plans for new therapy, and 32% identified pathology that did not result in initiation of a new therapy. Conclusions: POCUS performed by a trained pediatric intensivist provided useful clinical information to guide patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Watkins
- 232890Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- 6923Present Affiliation: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sharon P Dial
- 232890Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Seth J Koenig
- 2006Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dalibor N Kurepa
- 232890Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Paul H Mayo
- 232890Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- 5799Northwell LIJ/NSUH Hospital, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
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15
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Diagnostic Applications of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2021; 39:509-527. [PMID: 34215400 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound has become an essential part of pediatric emergency medicine training and practice. It can have significant clinical benefits, including improving diagnostic accuracy and decreasing length of stay, and does not require radiation exposure for patients. In this review, we summarize the current diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound applications in pediatric emergency medicine, their evidence, and techniques.
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Isik İA, Ozkan MB. Evaluation of the Clinical Effectiveness of Shear Wave Elastography in Pediatric Cases With Acute Appendicitis. Ultrasound Q 2021; 37:173-177. [PMID: 33790196 DOI: 10.1097/ruq.0000000000000556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT To determine sensitivity and specificity of shear wave elastography in pediatric patients diagnosed with acute inflammation of the appendix. Forty-eight patients who were referred for abdominal pain, with 18 volunteers recruited for the evaluation. Alvarado scores were calculated on the patients. The elasticity and stiffness of the inflamed appendix tissues of patients and controls were measured using shear wave elastography. The anterior, posterior, and medial parts of the appendix tissue were measured, calculating the highest elasticity values in kPa. In the end, 32 patients with Alvarado scores between 7 and 9 (group 1) underwent surgery, whereas 3 of them had pathological specimens reporting as normal. Eight of the patients whose Alvarado scores were between 4 and 6 and had inflammatory conditions of the appendix (group 2), plus the control group totaled 16 patients (group 3). The median shear wave value was found to be significantly higher in group 1 (14.7 kPa) than in either group 2 (12.7 kPa) or group 3 (9.3 kPa) (P < 0.01). In the evaluation of the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cutoff value was discovered to be 14.3 kPA (95% CI: 0.753-0.995) in the acute appendicitis group, with a 100% sensitivity and 79.17% specificity. Shear wave elastography examination is not considered an invasive method and is an easily accessible diagnostic tool that can be used to differentiate between inflamed and noninflamed tissue in children. The quantitative measurement for flexibility of the appendix contributes to the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- İshak Abdurrahman Isik
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Department, Antalya Research and Training Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
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17
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James V, Samuel J, Kee CY, Ong GYK. Point-of-care ultrasound for evaluating intra-abdominal calcification in the pediatric emergency department: case series and review of literature. Ultrasound J 2020; 12:51. [PMID: 33270182 PMCID: PMC7714802 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-020-00199-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The presence of intra-abdominal calcification in the pediatric population can be due to a wide range of conditions. Calcification in the abdomen can be seen in normal or abnormal anatomical structures. In some patients, abnormal calcification points towards the pathology; whereas in others, calcification itself is the pathology. After a thorough history and clinical examination, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) would complement the assessment of acute abdominal pain, based on the list of differentials generated as per the abdominal region. The main objective of this article is to review commonly encountered causes of intra-abdominal calcifications in the pediatric population and help in clinical decision-making in a Pediatric Emergency Department. Case presentation We describe a series of pediatric patients who presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain, in whom point-of-care ultrasound helped expedite the diagnosis by identifying varying types of calcification and associated sonological findings. For children who present to the Pediatric Emergency Department with significant abdominal pain, a rapid distinction between emergencies and non-emergencies is vital to decrease morbidity and mortality. Conclusions In a child presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department with abdominal pain, POCUS and the findings of calcifications can narrow or expand the differential diagnosis when integrated with history and physical exam, to a specific anatomic structure. Integrating these findings with additional sonological findings of an underlying pathology might raise sufficient concerns in the emergency physicians to warrant further investigations for the patient in the form of a formal radiological ultrasound and assist in the patient's early disposition. The use of POCUS might also help to categorize the type of calcification to one of the four main categories of intra-abdominal calcifications, namely concretions, conduit wall calcification, cyst wall calcification, and solid mass-type calcification. POCUS used thoughtfully can give a diagnosis and expand differential diagnosis, reduce cognitive bias, and reduce physician mental load. By integrating the use of POCUS with the history and clinical findings, it will be possible to expedite the management in children who present to the Pediatric Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vigil James
- Children's Emergency, C/O KK Women's and Children's Hospital PTE. LTD, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore.
| | - John Samuel
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Christian Fellowship Hospital, Oddanchatram, Tamilnadu, 624619, India
| | - Chor Yek Kee
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Malaysia
| | - Gene Yong-Kwang Ong
- Children's Emergency, C/O KK Women's and Children's Hospital PTE. LTD, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
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18
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Point-of-Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Perforated Appendicitis in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Case Series. Pediatr Emerg Care 2020; 36:606-608. [PMID: 32195980 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is being used for clinical decision making with increasing frequency across a broad range of indications in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM). We present a series of 4 patients in whom POCUS was used to facilitate a diagnosis of perforated appendicitis.
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19
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Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Undifferentiated Abdominal Pain in a Pediatric Patient: A Proposed Algorithm. Pediatr Emerg Care 2020; 36:446-451. [PMID: 32149996 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal pain is a common presentation in the pediatric emergency department and may pose a diagnostic challenge to the physician. Although most abdominal pain is benign, the presence of abdominal pain may represent a surgical emergency. We present an atypical presentation of perforated appendicitis in a child with 2 weeks of abdominal pain, in whom point-of-care ultrasound expedited diagnosis and patient disposition. We then recommend a diagnostic approach for using point-of-care ultrasound in a pediatric patient with undifferentiated abdominal pain.
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20
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Scheier E, Budde-Schwartzman B, Kartun V, Balla U. Identifying Retrocecal Appendicitis on Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS). J Emerg Med 2020; 59:413-417. [PMID: 32571638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retrocecal appendicitis may be challenging to find. We present the first case series in which retrocecal appendicitis was found on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). CASE REPORTS In each of the five cases, appendicitis was found by a pediatric emergency physician in the right periumbilical region or right upper quadrant. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The POCUS practitioner should scan both the right upper and right lower quadrant of the abdomen in search of appendicitis, as well as in search of signs of perforation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Scheier
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Valery Kartun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Uri Balla
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Rehovot, Israel
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21
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Tzortzopoulou AK, Giamarelou P, Tsolia M, Spyridis N, Vakaki M, Passalides A, Zavras N. The Jumping Up (J-Up) Test: Making the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis Easier in Children. Glob Pediatr Health 2019; 6:2333794X19884824. [PMID: 31763374 PMCID: PMC6851606 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x19884824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluate a new clinical test, jumping up (J-up) test, to diagnose easier
appendicitis in children. A total of 407 patients, aged 5 to16 years, with right
lower quadrant abdominal pain were asked to jump rising both hands and trying to
reach a toy hanging down from the ceiling of the examination room. Bieri
pediatric Face Pain Scale was used for recording the pain response. J-up test
has sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 70%. A positive J-up test combined
with leukocytosis (white blood cells count >12 000/mm3),
neutrophilia >75%, neutrophil/lymphocyte >2, and C-reactive protein >5
mg/dL, achieved a posttest probability of appendicitis of 85%. A negative J-up
test combined with the aforementioned blood markers within normal range had a
posttest probability for non-appendicitis of 92%. J-up test is a reliable
clinical test, which could be used even by an inexperienced doctor. Combined
with classical blood markers, it could successfully predict which child is in
urgent need or not of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelais K Tzortzopoulou
- "P & A Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Mariza Tsolia
- "P & A Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Marina Vakaki
- "P & A Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Zavras
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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22
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Shen G, Wang J, Fei F, Mao M, Mei Z. Bedside ultrasonography for acute appendicitis: An updated diagnostic meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2019; 70:1-9. [PMID: 31404675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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23
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Conlon TW, Nishisaki A, Singh Y, Bhombal S, De Luca D, Kessler DO, Su ER, Chen AE, Fraga MV. Moving Beyond the Stethoscope: Diagnostic Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Practice. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-1402. [PMID: 31481415 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-1402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a growing field across all disciplines of pediatric practice. Machine accessibility and portability will only continue to grow, thus increasing exposure to this technology for both providers and patients. Individuals seeking training in POCUS should first identify their scope of practice to determine appropriate applications within their clinical setting, a few of which are discussed within this article. Efforts to build standardized POCUS infrastructure within specialties and institutions are ongoing with the goal of improving patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Conlon
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Akira Nishisaki
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Yogen Singh
- Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Shazia Bhombal
- Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Daniele De Luca
- Division of Pediatrics and Neonatal Critical Care, Hopital Antoine Béclère, University Hospitals of South Paris, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Physiopathology and Therapeutic Innovation Unit, Inserm U999, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France; and
| | - David O Kessler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Erik R Su
- Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Aaron E Chen
- Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - María V Fraga
- Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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24
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Hopkins A, Doniger SJ. Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the Pediatric Hospitalist's Practice. Hosp Pediatr 2019; 9:707-718. [PMID: 31405888 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2018-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has the potential to provide real-time valuable information that could alter diagnosis, treatment, and management practices in pediatric hospital medicine. We review the existing pediatric POCUS literature to identify potential clinical applications within the scope of pediatric hospital medicine. Diagnostic point-of-care applications most relevant to the pediatric hospitalist include lung ultrasound for pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis; cardiac ultrasound for global cardiac function and hydration status; renal or bladder ultrasound for nephrolithiasis, hydronephrosis, and bladder volumes; soft tissue ultrasound for differentiating cellulitis from abscess; and procedural-guidance applications, including line placement, lumbar puncture, and abscess incision and drainage. We discuss POCUS applications with reviews of major pathologic findings, research gaps, the integration of POCUS into practice, and barriers to implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshata Hopkins
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida; and
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25
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES In children with radiograph fracture-negative lateral ankle injuries, the main objective of this pilot study was to explore the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by a pediatric emergency physician in diagnosing anterior talofibular ligament injuries, radiographically occult distal fibular fractures, and effusions compared with reference standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS This was a prospective cohort pilot study. Children aged 5 to 17 years with an isolated, acute lateral ankle injury and fracture-negative ankle radiographs were eligible for enrolment. Within 1 week of the injury, enrolled children returned for MRI and POCUS of both ankles. RESULTS Seven children were enrolled, with a mean age 12.1 (SD, 3.0) years. Overall, POCUS agreed with MRI with respect to anterior talofibular ligament injury in 4 (57%) of 7 cases. Of the 2 cases with MRI-confirmed ligament damage, POCUS accurately identified and graded the extent of ligament damage in 1 case. Point-of-care ultrasound falsely identified ligament injuries in 2 cases. Both imaging modalities confirmed the absence of cortical fractures in all 7 cases. For all findings, POCUS sensitivity and specificity were 57% and 86%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, we established that POCUS diagnosed the specific pathology of radiograph-negative lateral ankle injuries with poor sensitivity but good specificity. Thus, POCUS could act as a tool to exclude significant ligamentous and radiographically occult bony injury in these cases. A larger study is needed to validate the utility of POCUS for this common injury.
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Point-of-Care Ultrasound Facilitates Bedside Diagnosis of Appendicitis With an Appendicolith in a Pediatric Patient. Pediatr Emerg Care 2018; 34:818-819. [PMID: 30395074 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A previously healthy 5-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with a history of tactile fevers, cough, congestion, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. He had diffuse abdominal pain on examination and pain with ambulation. Emergency point-of-care ultrasound was used to diagnose appendicitis with an appendicolith. The diagnosis was confirmed by a radiology-performed ultrasound, and he was taken to the operating room for an appendectomy.
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27
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Levine MC, Arroyo A, Likourezos A, Homel P, Dickman E. The use of point of care ultrasound in the evaluation of pediatric soft tissue neck masses. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 37:1466-1469. [PMID: 30389115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most soft tissue neck masses represent benign inflammatory or infectious processes; however, in some cases the diagnosis is not clear and a broader differential must be considered. The aim of this study was to compare point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to radiology department imaging (RDI) in the diagnosis of soft tissue neck masses. METHODS This prospective pilot study involved a convenience sample of patients ranging in age from 1 month to 18 years of age presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) with a soft tissue neck mass. All children who presented to the PED with soft tissue neck mass at times when an investigator was in the department, and who were candidates for enrollment, underwent a POCUS. The managing pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) provider determined whether RDI was indicated. The results of the POCUS sonologist and radiologist were compared. The kappa statistic was used to analyze agreement with p < 0.05 denoting statistical significance. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients were enrolled into the study. Twenty-two received radiology ultrasound (RUS), 3 patients received CT, and 2 patients received both RUS and CT. There was agreement between POCUS and RDI diagnoses in 21/27 cases (78%). Accordingly, overall concordance between POCUS and RDI diagnoses was good: the kappa statistic comparing diagnoses obtained by POCUS versus RDI was 0.69 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This prospective pilot study describes the reliability of POCUS as an imaging modality in the management of patients with undifferentiated soft tissue neck masses. POCUS demonstrated good agreement with RDI as a bedside imaging tool in the evaluation of pediatric soft tissue neck masses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marla C Levine
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Austin TX, United States of America.
| | - Alexander Arroyo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Antonios Likourezos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Peter Homel
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Eitan Dickman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
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28
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A Case of Intracardiac Invasion of Hepatoblastoma Diagnosed With Point-of-Care Ultrasound. Pediatr Emerg Care 2018; 34:749-750. [PMID: 30281580 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasonography can be useful in the evaluation of children with abdominal complaints and may be the initial imaging modality in patients presenting with a newly recognized abdominal mass. Hepatoblastoma is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain in children and can rarely metastasize to the heart through vascular invasion. We report a case in which a 4-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain promptly underwent point-of-care ultrasound and was subsequently diagnosed with intracardiac invasion of an abdominal tumor.
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29
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Gonzalez LK, Yellin S, Arroyo AC. Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Where We're at, Where We're Going. Adv Pediatr 2018; 65:121-142. [PMID: 30053920 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Gonzalez
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, 4082 10th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA
| | - Sharon Yellin
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 506 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA
| | - Alexander C Arroyo
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, 4082 10th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA.
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30
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Lee SH, Yun SJ. Diagnostic performance of emergency physician-performed point-of-care ultrasonography for acute appendicitis: A meta-analysis. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 37:696-705. [PMID: 30017693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the sensitivity and specificity of emergency physician-performed point-of-care ultrasonography (EP-POCUS) for diagnosing acute appendicitis (AA). MATERIAL AND METHODS The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched, and the diagnostic performance of EP-POCUS was evaluated using bivariate modeling and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Subgroup analysis was performed for pediatric patients to compare EP-POCUS and radiologist-performed ultrasonography (RADUS). Meta-regression analyses were performed according to patient and study characteristics. RESULTS In 17 studies (2385 patients), EP-POCUS for diagnosing AA exhibited a pooled sensitivity of 84% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72%-92%) and a pooled specificity of 91% (95% CI: 85%-95%), with even better diagnostic performance for pediatric AA (sensitivity: 95%, 95% CI: 75%-99%; specificity: 95%, 95% CI: 85%-98%). A direct comparison revealed no significant differences (p = 0.18-0.85) between the diagnostic performances of EP-POCUS (sensitivity: 81%, 95% CI: 61%-90%; specificity: 89%, 95% CI: 77%-95%) and RADUS (sensitivity: 74%, 95% CI: 65%-81%; specificity: 97%, 95% CI: 93%-98%). The meta-regression analyses revealed that study location, AA proportion, and mean age were sources of heterogeneity. Higher sensitivity and specificity tended to be associated with an appendix diameter cut-off value of 7 mm and the EP as the initial operator. CONCLUSION The diagnostic performances of EP-POCUS and RADUS were excellent for AA, with EP-POCUS having even better performance for pediatric AA. Accurate diagnoses may be achieved when the attending EP is the initial POCUS operator and uses a 7-mm cut-off value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Hwa Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, 1342 Dongil-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01757, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jong Yun
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 892 Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05278, Republic of Korea.
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Tal Tamir H, Ben-Mordechay D, Ben-Shlush A, Raviv-Zilka L, Soudack M. Increased Renal Echogenicity in Children With Appendicitis. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2018; 37:1403-1409. [PMID: 29159839 DOI: 10.1002/jum.14480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ultrasound (US) is an important modality for the detection of acute appendicitis in children but has limited sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, additional US findings may contribute to the diagnosis. In our experience, children with acute appendicitis often have increased renal cortical echogenicity on US imaging. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of increased renal cortical echogenicity with appendicitis. METHODS This study included 240 consecutive pediatric patients with no renal or liver disease who underwent US examinations for suspected appendicitis between February 2014 and January 2016. Ultrasound images of the liver and right kidney were retrospectively reviewed, and the echogenicity of the renal cortex was classified as less than the liver, equal to the liver, or greater than the liver. RESULTS The renal cortex was abnormally hyperechoic in 38 (50%) of all of the patients who had appendicitis according to US (P < .001) and in 47% of patients who underwent appendectomy (P = .002). Overall, 36% of patients with increased renal cortical echogenicity had a diagnosis of appendicitis. After correction for variables, patients with renal hyperechogenicity had a 2.5 times chance of appendicitis (odds ratio, 2.5). CONCLUSIONS There is a statistically significant association between increased renal cortical echogenicity and appendicitis. In the absence of hepatic or renal disease, this finding may increase the accuracy of the US diagnosis of appendicitis. Increased renal cortical echogenicity may be added to the list of US findings accompanying acute appendicitis in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Tal Tamir
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Aviva Ben-Shlush
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Lisa Raviv-Zilka
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michalle Soudack
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is as accurate as radiology-performed ultrasound in evaluating children with clinical concern for appendicitis. As part of a staged approach, we further hypothesized that POCUS could ultimately decrease computed tomography (CT) utilization. METHODS This was a prospective, convenience sampling of patients aged 2 to 18 years presenting with abdominal pain to a pediatric emergency department. Those patients with prior abdominal imaging, pregnant, or unable to tolerate the examination were excluded. An algorithm was followed: POCUS was first performed, followed by a radiology-performed ultrasound, and then a CT as necessary. The main outcome measure was the accuracy of the POCUS in diagnosing of appendicitis. This was compared with radiology-performed ultrasound. We also examined whether certain patient or clinical characteristics influenced the performance of POCUS. Lastly, we determined the amount by which CT scans were decreased through this staged algorithm. RESULTS Forty patients were enrolled and underwent a POCUS examination. A total of 16 (40%) had pathology-confirmed appendicitis. Point-of-care ultrasound had a sensitivity of 93.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.7%-98.9%) and specificity of 87.5% (95% CI, 67.6%-97.2%). Radiology-performed ultrasound had a sensitivity of 81.25% (95% CI, 54.3%-95.7%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 85.6%-100%). The radiology-performed and POCUS examinations had very good agreement (κ = 0.83, P < 0.0005). Patient characteristics including body mass index did not have an affect on the POCUS. However, POCUS identified all patients with an Alvarado score higher than 6. Overall, the reduction in CT examinations was 55%. CONCLUSIONS In pediatric patients presenting with clinical concern for acute appendicitis, a staged algorithm that incorporates POCUS is accurate and has the potential to decrease CT scan utilization.
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Ultrasound Guidelines: Emergency, Point-of-Care and Clinical Ultrasound Guidelines in Medicine. Ann Emerg Med 2017; 69:e27-e54. [PMID: 28442101 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.08.457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Battaglioli N, Kaminstein D. The Sound of Free Air. J Emerg Med 2017; 53:e47-e49. [PMID: 28992875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Kaminstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, York Hospital, York, Pennsylvania; York Ultrasound Fellowship Program, York Hospital, York, Pennsylvania
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Matthew Fields J, Davis J, Alsup C, Bates A, Au A, Adhikari S, Farrell I. Accuracy of Point-of-care Ultrasonography for Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acad Emerg Med 2017; 24:1124-1136. [PMID: 28464459 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of ultrasonography (US) to diagnose appendicitis is well established. More recently, point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has also been studied for the diagnosis of appendicitis, which may also prove a valuable diagnostic tool. The purpose of this study was through systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the test characteristics of POCUS, specifically US performed by a nonradiologist physician, in accurately diagnosing acute appendicitis in patients of any age. METHODS We conducted a thorough and systematic literature search of English language articles published on point-of-care, physician-performed transabdominal US used for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis from 1980 to May, 2015 using OVID MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-indexed Citations and Scopus. Studies were selected and subsequently independently abstracted by two trained reviewers. A random-effects pooled analysis was used to construct a hierarchical summary receiver operator characteristic curve, and a meta-regression was performed. Quality of studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS Our search yielded 5,792 unique studies and we included 21 of these in our final review. Prevalence of disease in this study was 29.8%, (range = 6.4%-75.4%). The sensitivity and specificity for POCUS in diagnosing appendicitis were 91% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 83%-96%) and 97% (95% CI = 91%-99%), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 91 and 94%, respectively. Studies performed by emergency physicians had slightly lower test characteristics (sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 92%). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 99%, 95% CI = 99%-100%) and the quality of the reported studies was moderate, mostly due to unclear reporting of blinding of physicians and timing of scanning and patient enrollment. Several of the studies were performed by a single operator, and the education and training of the operators were variably reported. CONCLUSION Point-of-care US has relatively high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing acute appendicitis, although the data presented are limited by the quality of the original studies and large CIs. In the hands of an experienced operator, POCUS is an appropriate initial imaging modality for diagnosing appendicitis. Based on our results, it is premature to utilize POCUS as a stand-alone test or to rule out appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Matthew Fields
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia PA
| | - Joshua Davis
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center; Hershey PA
| | - Carl Alsup
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia PA
| | | | - Arthur Au
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia PA
| | | | - Isaac Farrell
- The University of Arizona College of Medicine; Tucson AZ
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Gongidi P, Bellah RD. Ultrasound of the pediatric appendix. Pediatr Radiol 2017; 47:1091-1100. [PMID: 28779198 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-017-3928-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Appendicitis is the most common pediatric surgical emergency. Ultrasound (US) receives the highest appropriate rating scale in children with right lower quadrant pain suspected to have appendicitis. The US exam of the appendix has improved since Puylaert pioneered the technique of graded compression in 1986. In this article, we review ultrasonography of the pediatric appendix as it pertains to the normal appendix, acute appendicitis and the different sonographic manifestations. We also briefly describe technical optimization of image acquisition, common pitfalls and differential diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preetam Gongidi
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3401 Civil Center Boulevard, Room #3W47, Main Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Richard D Bellah
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3401 Civil Center Boulevard, Room #3W47, Main Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3401 Civil Center Boulevard, Room #3W12, Main Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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What Elements of the History, Examination, Laboratory Testing, or Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Are Most Useful in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in Children? Ann Emerg Med 2017; 70:797-798. [PMID: 28662913 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Almaramhy HH. Acute appendicitis in young children less than 5 years: review article. Ital J Pediatr 2017; 43:15. [PMID: 28257658 PMCID: PMC5347837 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-017-0335-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite wide spread availability of sophisticated diagnostic imaging, acute appendicitis in pre-school children remains a diagnostic challenge. Most of these children present late, often with complications e.g. appendicular perforation, abscess formation and peritonitis and as result hospital stay is prolonged and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.The purpose of this article is to review peculiar features of acute appendicitis in preschool children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamdi Hameed Almaramhy
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taibah University, AL-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Marin JR, Abo AM, Arroyo AC, Doniger SJ, Fischer JW, Rempell R, Gary B, Holmes JF, Kessler DO, Lam SHF, Levine MC, Levy JA, Murray A, Ng L, Noble VE, Ramirez-Schrempp D, Riley DC, Saul T, Shah V, Sivitz AB, Tay ET, Teng D, Chaudoin L, Tsung JW, Vieira RL, Vitberg YM, Lewiss RE. Pediatric emergency medicine point-of-care ultrasound: summary of the evidence. Crit Ultrasound J 2016; 8:16. [PMID: 27812885 PMCID: PMC5095098 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-016-0049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The utility of point-of-care ultrasound is well supported by the medical literature. Consequently, pediatric emergency medicine providers have embraced this technology in everyday practice. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a policy statement endorsing the use of point-of-care ultrasound by pediatric emergency medicine providers. To date, there is no standard guideline for the practice of point-of-care ultrasound for this specialty. This document serves as an initial step in the detailed "how to" and description of individual point-of-care ultrasound examinations. Pediatric emergency medicine providers should refer to this paper as reference for published research, objectives for learners, and standardized reporting guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Marin
- Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, AOB Suite 2400, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 USA
| | - Alyssa M. Abo
- Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lorraine Ng
- Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, NY USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David Teng
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center, New Hyde Park, USA
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40
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Abstract
Ultrasound is the initial diagnostic modality of choice for evaluation of pediatric appendicitis. We report a case that highlights the importance of pain control, distraction, focusing on the appearance of the appendix and the surrounding structures, the value of size cutoff points for appendicitis, and repeating ultrasound examinations to optimize yield.
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41
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Zennaro F, Neri E, Nappi F, Grosso D, Triunfo R, Cabras F, Frexia F, Norbedo S, Guastalla P, Gregori M, Cattaruzzi E, Sanabor D, Barbi E, Lazzerini M. Real-Time Tele-Mentored Low Cost "Point-of-Care US" in the Hands of Paediatricians in the Emergency Department: Diagnostic Accuracy Compared to Expert Radiologists. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164539. [PMID: 27749905 PMCID: PMC5066956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of point-of-care ultrasonography (POC US) in paediatrics is increasing. This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of POC US in children accessing the emergency department (ED) when performed by paediatricians under the remote guidance of radiologists (TELE POC). METHODS Children aged 0 to 18 years accessing the ED of a third level research hospital with eight possible clinical scenarios and without emergency/severity signs at the triage underwent three subsequent US tests: by a paediatrician guided remotely by a radiologist (TELE POC); by the same radiologist (UNBLIND RAD); by an independent blinded radiologist (BLIND RAD). Tele-radiology was implemented using low cost "commercial off-the-shelf" (COTS) equipment and open-source software. Data were prospectively collected on predefined templates. RESULTS Fifty-two children were enrolled, for a total of 170 ultrasound findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of TELE POC were: 93.8, 99.7, 96.8, 99.4 when compared to UNBLIND RAD and 88.2, 99.7, 96.8, 98.7 when compared to BLIND RAD. The inter-observers agreement between the paediatricians and either the unblind or blind radiologist was excellent (k = 0.93). The mean duration of TELE POC was 6.3 minutes (95% CI 4.1 to 8.5). Technical difficulties occurred in two (3.8%) cases. Quality of the transmission was rated as fair, good, very good and excellent in 7.7%, 15.4%, 42.3% and 34.6% of cases respectively, while in no case was it rated as poor. CONCLUSIONS POC US performed by paediatricians in ED guided via tele-radiology by an expert radiologist (TELE POC) produced reliable and timely diagnoses. Findings of this study, especially for the rarer conditions under evaluation, need further confirmation. Future research should investigate the overall benefits and the cost savings of using tele-ultrasound to perform US "at children's bedsides", under remote guidance of expert radiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Zennaro
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elena Neri
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Grosso
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Stefania Norbedo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Guastalla
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Massino Gregori
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cattaruzzi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniela Sanabor
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marzia Lazzerini
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’istria 65/1, Trieste, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Kameda T, Taniguchi N. Overview of point-of-care abdominal ultrasound in emergency and critical care. J Intensive Care 2016; 4:53. [PMID: 27529029 PMCID: PMC4983797 DOI: 10.1186/s40560-016-0175-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care abdominal ultrasound (US), which is performed by clinicians at bedside, is increasingly being used to evaluate clinical manifestations, to facilitate accurate diagnoses, and to assist procedures in emergency and critical care. Methods for the assessment of acute abdominal pain with point-of-care US must be developed according to accumulated evidence in each abdominal region. To detect hemoperitoneum, the methodology of a focused assessment with sonography for a trauma examination may also be an option in non-trauma patients. For the assessment of systemic hypoperfusion and renal dysfunction, point-of-care renal Doppler US may be an option. Utilization of point-of-care US is also considered in order to detect abdominal and pelvic lesions. It is particularly useful for the detection of gallstones and the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Point-of-case US is justified as the initial imaging modality for the diagnosis of ureterolithiasis and the assessment of pyelonephritis. It can be used with great accuracy to detect the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in symptomatic patients. It may also be useful for the diagnoses of digestive tract diseases such as appendicitis, small bowel obstruction, and gastrointestinal perforation. Additionally, point-of-care US can be a modality for assisting procedures. Paracentesis under US guidance has been shown to improve patient care. US appears to be a potential modality to verify the placement of the gastric tube. The estimation of the amount of urine with bladder US can lead to an increased success rate in small children. US-guided catheterization with transrectal pressure appears to be useful in some male patients in whom standard urethral catheterization is difficult. Although a greater accumulation of evidences is needed in some fields, point-of-care abdominal US is a promising modality to improve patient care in emergency and critical care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Kameda
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Red Cross Society Azumino Hospital, 5685 Toyoshina, Azumino, Nagano 399-8292 Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Taniguchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498 Japan
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Abstract
Although most frequently presenting with lower abdominal pain, appendicitis, colitis, and diverticulitis can cause pain throughout the abdomen and can cause peritoneal and retroperitoneal symptoms. Evaluation and management of lower intestinal disease requires a nuanced approach by the emergency physician, sometimes requiring computed tomography, ultrasonography, MRI, layered imaging, shared decision making, serial examination, and/or close follow-up. Once a presumed or confirmed diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment is initiated, and may include surgery, antibiotics, and/or steroids. Appendicitis patients should be admitted. Diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease can frequently be managed on an outpatient basis, but may require admission and surgical consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Carlberg
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, G-CCC, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Stephen D Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 South Paca Street, 6th Floor, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Dubin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, G-CCC, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
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Abstract
We present two cases of pediatric patients initially presenting with a clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis. In these cases, point-of-care ultrasonography was performed early in the patient's emergency department course, leading to alternate diagnoses. This article highlights a role for point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnoses of two alternate conditions that clinically mimic appendicitis: Meckel diverticulitis and acute ileocecitis. We offer a brief overview of terminology, relevant literature, and ultrasound scanning technique for the right-lower-quadrant point-of-care ultrasound evaluation.
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45
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Adnexal torsion in children: The role of family practice physicians and paediatricians. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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46
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Limchareon S, Jaidee W. Physician-performed Focused Ultrasound: An Update on Its Role and Performance. J Med Ultrasound 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmu.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Dickman E, Tessaro MO, Arroyo AC, Haines LE, Marshall JP. Clinician-performed abdominal sonography. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2015; 41:481-92. [PMID: 26038027 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-015-0508-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Point-of-care ultrasonography is increasingly utilized across a wide variety of physician specialties. This imaging modality can be used to evaluate patients rapidly and accurately for a wide variety of pathologic conditions. METHODS A literature search was performed for articles focused on clinician-performed ultrasonography for the diagnosis of appendicitis, gallbladder disease, small bowel obstruction, intussusception, and several types of renal pathology. The findings of this search were summarized including the imaging techniques utilized in these studies. CONCLUSION Clinician performed point-of-care sonography is particularly well suited to abdominal applications. Future investigations may further confirm and extend its utility at the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dickman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11219, USA.
| | - M O Tessaro
- Division of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G1X8, Canada
| | - A C Arroyo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11219, USA
| | - L E Haines
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11219, USA
| | - J P Marshall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11219, USA
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Modern sonology and the bedside practitioner: evolution of ultrasound from curious novelty to essential clinical tool. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2014; 41:457-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s00068-014-0464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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