Evaluation of the utility of abdominal CT scans in the diagnosis, management, outcome and information given at discharge of patients with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain

OBJECTIVES

The role of CT imaging in the diagnosis and management of acute abdominal pain is well established, but its utility is limited in a minority of cases. The aim of this study was to quantify the degree to which radiological and clinical findings differ. Interobserver variability in CT reporting was also assessed.

METHODS

Clinical data and CT reports were analysed retrospectively for any discrepancies by comparing CT diagnosis, clinical diagnosis as stated on the discharge summary and final diagnosis (based on consensus review of all information). Blinded review of all CT imaging was performed to determine interobserver variability.

RESULTS

120 consecutive scans fulfilled the inclusion criteria (114 patients; 79 women; mean age 55 years). The correct clinical diagnosis was made in 87.5% of cases based on CT findings. The lack of intravenous contrast limited diagnostic interpretation in 6 of the 15 discrepant cases. CT was unable to define early inflammatory changes in three patients and early caecal carcinoma in one. A right paraduodenal internal hernia was difficult to detect in another patient. Interobserver agreement was 93%, but with a low kappa value of 0.27. A paradox exists due to an imbalance in the positive and negative agreement of 96% and 31%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The utility of CT imaging in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute abdominal pain is confirmed, but is limited in a minority of cases where poor negative interobserver agreement exists. Good communication to the reporting radiologist of the relevant patient history and clinical question becomes important.