Protocol Based Selective Imaging Versus Routine Computed Tomography or Ultrasound in Suspected Appendicitis

Launched by HELSINKI UNIVERSITY CENTRAL HOSPITAL · Oct 11, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying different ways to check for appendicitis, a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed. Researchers want to see if using a specific scoring system to decide when and how to use imaging tests (like ultrasound or CT scans) is better than the usual approach of routine imaging for adults who might have appendicitis. The trial will look at how these different methods affect patient outcomes, such as how many people end up needing surgery that isn’t necessary or how many have more serious cases of appendicitis.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be adults who are suspected of having appendicitis. However, those who have had symptoms for more than 72 hours, are under 18 years old, or have recently had imaging tests are not eligible. Participants will be divided into three groups: one group will use the scoring system for imaging, another will use the scoring system for both observation and imaging, and the third group will receive standard imaging tests. Throughout the trial, participants will be monitored to see how these different approaches affect their diagnosis and treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • - Suspicion of appendicitis
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Time from symptom onset over 72 hours
• • Age \<18 years
• • Pregnancy, ruled out by serum or urine HCG measurement in 18- to 49-year-old women
• • CT-scan or ultrasound already done within the last 3 days (72 hours)
• • Clinical suspicion of other disease or other reason to perform imaging study
• • Recruited earlier to the same trial